Vermont Teens Still Struggle with Mental Health, Findings Show
Vermont’s youth continue to face a concerning mental health crisis, mirroring national trends and persisting beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
The 2023 survey, conducted by the Vermont Department of Health, reveals that one-third of high school students are experiencing poor mental health. This includes feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, lasting for a significant portion of the month.
“In line with national trends, we are seeing young people in Vermont grappling with persistent feelings of hopelessness and isolation in a much more pronounced way than was the case among the same age groups 10 years ago," Kelly Dougherty, the health department’s deputy commissioner, noted.
While nearly a fifth of high schoolers reported never experiencing poor mental health, a somewhat more hopeful statistic, the study painted a troubling picture overall, with LGBTQ+ and female students facing disproportionately high rates of poor mental health and self-harm.
Alarmingly, 23% of high schoolers and 21% of middle schoolers reported self-harm in the past year, defined in the report as actions like cutting or burning oneself with the intent to cause pain without the intention of suicide. A stark lack of support further compounds the problem, with only 7% of high schoolers and 5% of middle schoolers reporting having a trusted adult outside their family to confide in during difficult emotional moments.
Despite the grim statistics, some positive trends emerged. Alcohol use among high school students had decreased by 10% since 2013, while cigarette use dropped 6% since 2017, and vaping was down 18% since 2019.
But the survey paints a clear picture: Vermont students are hurting. "We have a responsibility as adults to believe what these students are telling us about how they feel and to treat this growing crisis with the urgency it deserves," Dougherty stressed.
The Department of Health conducts the Youth Risk Behavior Survey every two years in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data collected provides valuable insights into the challenges Vermont’s young people face, informing programs and initiatives designed to improve their well-being.
[Insert photograph from original article]
## Vermont Teens’ Mental Health: A Call for Urgent Action
New data from the Vermont Department of Health reveals a persistent and concerning mental health crisis among the state’s youth.
The 2023 Youth Risk behaviour Survey paints a sobering picture: one-third of high schoolers report enduring poor mental health, and alarming rates of self-harm and a lack of support systems further compound the problem. While some positive trends are observed in decreasing substance use, the overall data highlights a pressing need for targeted interventions and increased awareness.
To delve deeper into these findings and explore potential solutions, we spoke with **Dr.Anna Garcia**, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and **Sarah lee**, a youth advocate and founder of the Vermont Teen Mental Health Coalition.
### The Weight of Stress and Isolation
**WTN:** Dr. Garcia, the survey indicates a meaningful number of teens struggling with feelings of hopelessness and isolation. What factors might be contributing to this?
**Dr. Garcia:** These feelings are sadly not unique to Vermont. Nationally, we’re seeing an increase in anxiety and depressive disorders among young peopel. Social media, academic pressure, and societal uncertainties can all play a role. It’s crucial to remember that adolescence is a time of profound emotional and social development, and these added stressors can be overwhelming.
**WTN:** Ms. Lee, from your experience working with teenagers, what are you seeing on the ground that reflects these findings?
**Ms. Lee:** We’re seeing a generation of young people who feel increasingly disconnected and unheard. The pressure to excel academically, coupled with the constant comparison and scrutiny fueled by social media, is taking a toll. Manny teens feel like they have nowhere to turn for help.
### The Hidden Scar of Self-Harm
**WTN:** The survey discovered alarmingly high rates of self-harm among teens. how can we better address this issue?
**Dr. Garcia:** Self-harm is often a way for young people to cope with intense emotional pain. It’s a hazardous behavior that requires immediate attention. We need more mental health professionals trained in recognizing and treating self-harm, and more resources dedicated to early intervention and support.
**WTN:** Ms. Lee,how vital is it to create open dialogues about mental health in schools and communities?
**Ms. Lee:** Openly discussing mental health without stigma is absolutely crucial. We need to create safe spaces where teenagers feel comfortable talking about their struggles and seeking help without fear of judgment. Schools, parents, and community organizations all have a role to play in fostering these supportive environments.
### Addressing the Lack of Support
**WTN:** Only a small percentage of teens reported having a trusted adult outside their family to confide in. What can be done to bridge this gap?
**Dr.Garcia:** Building strong connections with caring adults is vital for teenagers’ emotional well-being.Mentorship programs, school-based counseling services, and community outreach initiatives can all help connect young people with the support they need.
**WTN:** What are some specific steps that parents and educators can take to help teens who might be struggling?
**Ms. Lee:** The first step is to listen without judgment. Encourage open interaction, and create a safe space for teens to express their feelings. Parents and educators should also be aware of the warning signs of mental health problems and know how to access local resources and support services.
**### A Call to Action**
This latest report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the mental health of Vermont’s youth. Addressing this crisis will require a multi-faceted approach: increasing access to mental health services, fostering supportive environments in schools and communities, and creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed without shame or stigma.
**We urge our readers to:**
– Educate yourselves about the signs of mental health distress in young people.
– Support organizations working to improve mental health services for youth.
- Advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of our children.
**For further information and resources:**
– The Vermont Department of Health’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey: [link to original article]
– The Vermont Teen Mental Health Coalition: [link to website]
