Youth Suffering: Violence & Trauma Plagues Teen Girls & LGBTQ+ Youth, Survey Reveals

Recent reports gathered by the National Survey of Children’s Health have uncovered alarmingly high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth between the ages of 11-17. The study revealed that adolescent girls and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by the mental disorder.

In the study, it was found that 1 in 3 girls reported that they had seriously contemplated suicide in the past year—a 60% increase from 10 years ago. Teen girls surveyed also experienced significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems than their male counterparts. Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth reported a distressing level of violence, with as many as 50% of them claiming to have been the target of physical or sexual abuse.

The findings from the survey have raised concern among mental health professionals and organizations. Mental health issues in adolescents can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of physical illness and substance abuse. In severe cases, studies have also linked these issues to suicide, especially among LGBTQ+ youth, who are at a higher risk of self-harm due to the discrimination and stigma they face.

In response to the survey results, organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have highlighted the need for greater investment in mental health services for adolescents. These services should be tailored to the specific needs of young people, including LGBTQ+ youth, who are often not supported by traditional healthcare systems. The government should also create initiatives to support the social and economic wellbeing of vulnerable youth, such as providing employment opportunities for teens and creating safe spaces for them to discuss their mental health.

As a dentist, there are measures that you can take to help young people with mental health issues. It is important to be aware of signs of emotional distress in your patients, such as changes in their behavior or appearance. If you believe that a patient may be struggling with their mental health, it is important to provide them with support, either by referring them to a mental health professional or simply by listening to their concerns.

It is clear from the results of the National Survey of Children’s Health that teen girls and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. It is our responsibility to ensure that these young people receive the support they need in order to thrive and lead healthy lives.

Conclusion

The alarming results of the National Survey of Children’s Health have highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in mental health services for adolescents, particularly for teen girls and LGBTQ+ youth. As dentists, we can play an important role in supporting these vulnerable young people by being aware of signs of distress and providing them with appropriate support. By doing so, we can help ensure that these young people are given the tools and resources they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.