Depression is severe enough to seriously consider suicide in 30% of American teenage girls, a study found. It is analyzed that depression intensified during the Corona 19 pandemic and that crimes such as sexual violence increased.
According to the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey of 17,200 American high school students and released on the 13th (local time), 57% of female high school students responded that they had at least I felt sad or hopeless every day for more than two weeks.” This is an increase of 21 percentage points from the 2011 survey (36%) 10 years ago. The number of male high school students who complained of the same symptoms increased from 21% to 29% during the same period.
In particular, in the case of female high school students, one in three (30%) said they had “seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.” The number of people who made a suicide plan rose from 15% in 2011 to 24% in 2021. It was found that 13% of female high school students and 7% of male high school students actually attempted suicide.
Mental health experts analyzed the reason why female high school students in the United States complained of greater psychological distress than male high school students because female students are more likely to be exposed to violence and discrimination than male students. According to the CDC, 18% of high school girls have experienced sexual assault, and 14% have experienced rape. “The rise in sexual assault has certainly played a role in the surge in depression,” said Kathleen Etier, director of the CDC’s Division of Youth and School Health.
COVID-19 has taken its toll on adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. In addition, career problems, high standards for appearance, and the influence of social media overlap, and female high school students experience more anxiety and depression, a survey found. “School can be a lifeline when students are struggling,” the CDC said. “Students who feel connected to school show better mental health.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.