Mental Health struggles have been around for a very long time, unfortunately, we’re only just starting to observe and understand just how drastic it truly is. After an annual survey in Colorado, it was revealed how hard the pandemic of mental distress has hit teens in our State.
Suicide rates in Colorado nearly doubled from 2011 to 2021. Hospital visits for self harm tripled since then as well. It is clear that young people in our state are suffering, but what are the reasons? And how have Palisade Students felt this pandemic? Many pointed to the struggle to “fit in” as a huge reason for these depressive or anxious waves. Young people have been faced with the problem of acceptance since they were born, in a world with so many viewpoints, life still continues to feel so narrow for so many. Another problem that students report commonly facing is rising to Academic expectations. In a world where getting into college acceptance rates are unnaturally high and most expect the absolute best, a lot of students, including myself, feel so much pressure to perform well.
However because of how much attention mental health has in the media and science, a lot of solutions are arising. Some are as simple as basic human connection. Reach out to people around you and check in with them, and if you are struggling or need help, talk to your friends, family, or teachers. Another solution is getting adequate sleep. Only a fourth of Colorado teens report getting the necessary 8 hours of sleep every night. Ensuring you get that sleep can make a huge difference in your day to day. Another tool students have access to is therapy, which students have access to six free sessions through the I Matter program. Therapy has had so many scientifically proven benefits and if someone feels like they are struggling and have nowhere to go, please try just talking to someone, you’ll never know how much it helps until you try it.