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:
*feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks (crying regularly, feeling fatigued, feeling unmotivated)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)
Mental health awareness is tomorrow April 20th at IVC. We will be setting up tables during lunch to provide our students with information regarding mental health. We will also provide a list of resources. It is so important that you talk to someone if you or someone you know if struggling with a mental health condition. You can talk to your pediatrician, get a referral to a mental health specialist, talk to your school, or even connect with other families. The following article was submitted by a parent, and it was a good read:
Please contact the guidance department if you have any questions, concerns, or input. We are team, and we value all of YOU!
