CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen girls are experiencing record-high levels of violence, sadness and suicide risk.
What You Need To Know
- According to a new CDC report, nearly three-in-five teen girls in 2021 felt persistently sad or hopeless
- That’s twice as high compared to boys and a nearly 60% increase over the previous decade
- The CDC also said one-in-three teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021, up dramatically from the previous decade
- LifeAct, a nonprofit based in Chagrin Falls, offers suicide prevention programs to 25,000 Ohio students each year
The CDC said nearly three-in-five teen girls in 2021 felt persistently sad or hopeless, twice as high compared to boys and a nearly 60% increase over the previous decade.
“We are definitely seeing growth in who is reaching out for our services,” said Abby Brown, program director for LifeAct, a nonprofit based out of Chagrin Falls offering stress management and suicide prevention programs for schools throughout Ohio.
The organization was founded in 1992. Initially, its programs were solely for high-school students, but in 2014, the programs expanded to include middle-school students. Through its programs, LifeAct helps around 25,000 students across the state every year.
“What we teach in our programs, when we’re talking about recognizing the signs of depression, is keeping eyes and ears open,” said Brown.
According to the new CDC report, one-in-three teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide, which is a dramatic increase in rates over the previous decade.
“As a human, you’re going to experience a whole wide range of emotions and that’s OK,” Brown said.
If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, they can reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The services are free and confidential.
