Mental Health Awareness
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. The following statistics focus on the teen population:
*20% of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition
*11% of youth have a mood disorder
*10% of youth have a behavior or conduct disorder
*8% of youth have an anxiety disorder
In recent studies, it has shown that 50% of students age 14 and older with a mental illness drop out of high school. We surveyed our students at IVC in regards to suicide awareness, but also included a mental health piece. The following chart displays mental health issues our students have struggled with:
There are several warning signs. The following is a short list of signs you as a parent, a friend, a neighbor, a brother, or even a cousin can be aware of in case someone close to you is struggling:
*feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks (crying regularly, feeling fatigued, feeling unmotivated)
*trying to harm or kill oneself or making to do so
*out of control, risk taking behaviors that can cause harm to self or others
*sudden overwhelming fear for no reason sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or fast breathing
*not eating , throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or gain
*severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
*repeated use of drugs or alcohol
* drastic changes in behavior, personality, or sleeping habits (waking up early and actin agitated)