Vermont Youth Mental Health Crisis: 2023 Survey Reveals Alarming Trends

A recent survey from Vermont’s Department of Health reveals concerning mental health trends among high school students. According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, one-third of Vermont high school students report struggling with poor mental health. This includes high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

The survey indicates that self-harm and suicidal ideation among students have remained constant since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. It involved students from 57 high schools and 106 middle schools across the state, asking about violence, bullying, mental health, substance use, sexual health, and nutrition.

Kelly Dougherty, the health department’s deputy commissioner, notes that young people today experience feelings of hopelessness and isolation more than a decade ago. The survey shows that 34% of high school students reported mental health challenges, with female and LGBTQ+ students affected at significantly higher rates.

Self-harm was reported by 23% of high school students and 21% of middle school students over the past year. This behavior includes actions like cutting or burning oneself without suicidal intent. Support appears scarce, as only 7% of high school students and 5% of middle school students feel they can talk to a non-family adult about their feelings.

While one in five high school students reported never experiencing poor mental health, about half of middle schoolers claimed they “never or rarely” feel that way. In terms of sexual health, 49% of high school students reported using condoms during their last sexual encounter, a decline from 2013, while 51% of middle schoolers reported the same.

How can schools improve mental health support for students, especially those in marginalized groups?

Interview with Kelly Dougherty: Addressing Mental Health Trends Among Vermont High School Students

By [Your Name], News Editor

NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you for joining us today, Kelly.The recent findings from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey are quiet alarming. Can you summarize some of the key mental health trends identified in the survey?

Kelly Dougherty: Thank you for having me. The survey revealed that one-third of Vermont’s high school students are struggling with poor mental health,which includes heightened stress,anxiety,and depression. The data collected indicates that self-harm and suicidal thoughts are consistent with levels seen during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is notably concerning when we consider the long-term implications for our youth.

NewsDirectory3.com: That’s indeed troubling. The statistics show that female and LGBTQ+ students are affected at notably higher rates. can you elaborate on this?

Kelly Dougherty: Absolutely. Our survey shows that female and LGBTQ+ students report mental health challenges at significantly higher rates than their peers. This underscores the importance of targeted mental health resources and support systems that cater specifically to these populations, who often face unique stressors and social pressures.

NewsDirectory3.com: You mentioned self-harm being reported by 23% of high school students. What does this indicate regarding the overall mental health support available to students?

Kelly Dougherty: The data suggests there is a crucial gap in support. While self-harm is not always associated with a desire to end one’s life, the fact that only 7% of high school students and 5% of middle school students feel comfortable discussing their feelings with a non-family adult highlights a severe lack of accessible mental health resources. We need to create more welcoming environments where young peopel feel safe reaching out for help.

NewsDirectory3.com: On a more positive note, were there any encouraging trends noted in the survey?

Kelly Dougherty: yes, there are some positive takeaways. As an example, we’ve seen notable reductions in substance use; alcohol consumption dropped by 10% since 2013, and electronic vapor product use decreased by 18% since 2019. These trends highlight that our health initiatives are having some success, although we still must address the pressing issues surrounding mental health and bullying.

NewsDirectory3.com: Bullying remains a persistent concern, particularly among marginalized student groups. What steps can be taken to combat this issue?

Kelly Dougherty: It’s critical that schools adopt comprehensive anti-bullying policies and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity. We need to empower students to speak out against bullying, provide training for staff on recognizing and addressing these behaviors, and ensure that students feel supported by their peers and adults in their school community.

NewsDirectory3.com: what message would you like to convey to parents and educators regarding the mental health of students?

Kelly Dougherty: I want to emphasize the importance of listening to our youth. Adults must take students’ feelings seriously and recognize that the mental health crisis among young people is urgent. It’s vital to engage in open, honest conversations, validate their experiences, and work collaboratively to provide them with the resources they need to thrive. Our children are our future, and we owe it to them to create an habitat where they feel safe, valued, and supported.

NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you for your insights,Kelly. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about these issues affecting our youth.

Kelly Dougherty: Thank you for highlighting this important conversation. It’s through forums like this that we can inspire change.

Bullying remains a significant issue, with 47% of middle school students bullied on school property and 30% experiencing online harassment. Female and LGBTQ+ students are more likely to face bullying, as are students identified as Black, Indigenous, or people of color.

Some positive trends emerged from the survey. Alcohol use has decreased by 10% since 2013, cigarette use has dropped by 6% since 2017, and the use of electronic vapor products has seen an 18% decline since 2019.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey has been conducted every two years since its launch in Vermont in 1993. Its purpose is to monitor health risk behaviors that affect youth. The data collected helps inform community programs and health initiatives, allowing students to engage in assessing the findings for implementing change.

Kelly Dougherty asserts that adults must take students’ feelings seriously and respond to this growing mental health crisis urgently.