Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warns about mental health crisis in youths

The youth were already facing a mental health crisis before the pandemic. One in three high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Murthy says that that is a 40% increase from 2009 to 2019. Within those 10 years, the suicide rate for those between 10 and 24 years of age have also increased by over 50%.

We were already amidst a mental health crisis in our youth. But the pandemic has made it worse. Worldwide, the symptoms of anxiety and depression have doubled.

Murthy cites social media and pop culture as one of the reasons mental health issues are on the rise in kids. “They’re growing up in a popular culture and media culture that reminds kids often that they aren’t good-looking enough, thin enough, popular enough, rich enough, frankly, just enough,” he said. 

While pop culture and social media is one contributing factor, Murthy also cites social issues plaguing the United States as another contributing factor. Gun violence, climate change, racism, and social conflict are also sources of stress for the youth. “Progress on legitimate and distressing issues like climate change, income inequality, racial injustice, the opioid epidemic and gun violence feels too slow,” he said.

Murthy’s advisory called for more resources to be devoted to addressing mental health challenges.