On Tuesday, December 7, 2021,  in a rare warning and call to action to address an emerging crisis exacerbated by pandemic hardships, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health advisory on the mental health challenges confronting the nation’s youth. He reported that symptoms of depression and anxiety have doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms. There also appear to be increases in negative emotions or behaviors such as impulsivity and irritability, which are symptoms of ADHD and other similar conditions.

The 53-page advisory also shows early 2021 emergency department visits across the country for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher for adolescent girls and 4% higher for adolescent boys as compared to the same time period in early 2019.

According to Murthy, “It would be a tragedy if we beat back one public health crisis only to allow another to grow in its place.”

SOURCE: Los Angeles Times.

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