The COVID-19 pandemic may perhaps have presented some protections for sure youth due to greater time at residence primary to elevated family support and supervision, whilst for others the pandemic may well have enhanced stressors and possibility components. Based on the 2021-2022 Fairfax County Youth Survey details, this newly released report addresses students’ expertise with mental overall health troubles, threat behaviors and other issues all through the pandemic, which includes disproportionate stages of risks on susceptible and marginalized populations.
Important Findings from the Report
- The charges of reporting persistent thoughts of disappointment/hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and suicide makes an attempt greater among Fairfax County youth this yr, adhering to the national developments.
- A lot more than 38{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of the pupils in 8th, 10th and 12th quality noted sensation so unhappy or hopeless for two or a lot more weeks in a row in the earlier yr that they stopped performing some typical activities (persistently unhappy or hopeless). Around 17{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} reported suicidal ideas and 6{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} documented suicide makes an attempt.
- Woman college students had been far more probable to convey higher worry, persistent thoughts of disappointment or hopelessness, contemplate trying suicide and try suicide compared to male students.
- Pupils of Hispanic ethnicity and pupils of other/various races have been most likely to convey emotions of persistent unhappiness or hopelessness, think about suicide and attempt suicide.
- Students who recognized them selves as transgender or gay/lesbian/bisexual claimed higher premiums of worry, inner thoughts of unhappiness/hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The facts demonstrates that they also encounter bigger problems that can have an impact on their mental wellness which includes psychological and bodily abuse by a guardian or grownup, compelled sexual intercourse and sexual harassment.
- College students who reported a deficiency of foods in their household were being much more most likely to report persistent inner thoughts of sadness or hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and suicide tries than those people from food stuff-secure houses.
What can you do to assistance?
You can help our youth take treatment of their psychological overall health by supplying them prospects to be associated, offering supportive interactions and recognizing their good get the job done and accomplishment.
Know the signs of despair and suicidal ideation, speak to youth and listen non-judgmentally, give assistance and find skilled help when required.
Examine the report for additional information and facts and readily available methods. You can also study 5 Issues to Know about the Youth Study on NewsCenter.
