The mental health of our nation’s youth is at a breaking point, and the data tells a story we cannot ignore. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sheds light on the ongoing and devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s emotional well-being.

In 2021, the numbers were sobering:

• More than 4 in 10 students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless.
• Nearly one-third experienced poor mental health.
• Over 1 in 5 seriously considered attempting suicide.
• 1 in 10 actually attempted suicide.

Some groups of youth are struggling even more:

• Teen girls: Nearly 3 in 5 reported persistent sadness, and 1 in 3 considered suicide — a nearly 60% increase in the last decade.
• LGBQ+ students: Nearly 3 in 4 experienced persistent sadness, almost half seriously considered suicide, and nearly 1 in 4 attempted suicide.
• Black youth ages 10–24: Suicide rates rose significantly between 2018 and 2021.

These statistics are a wake-up call. They highlight the need for urgent, sustained action and the dismantling of barriers that prevent young people from receiving the help they need. They also underscore the lasting impact of isolation, uncertainty, and prolonged stress.

Our Commitment at Alssaro Counseling Services

At Alssaro Counseling Services, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive — emotionally, socially, and academically. Our approach focuses on early intervention, culturally responsive care, and creating spaces where young people feel truly seen and heard.

We are committed to:

• Increasing access: Offering both in-person and virtual counseling options, including evening and weekend appointments, to meet families where they are.
• Culturally attuned care: Providing support that respects and honors the unique identities, backgrounds, and experiences of our youth clients.
• Partnerships with schools and communities: Collaborating to identify early signs of distress and connect students to care before crises escalate.
• Specialized youth programs: Developing therapeutic groups and individual counseling services that address anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and school-related challenges.

We know that reversing these troubling trends will take more than just one practice or one program. It will require schools, mental health providers, families, policymakers, and communities working together to ensure no young person is left without support.

What You Can Do Right Now

Every caring adult — parent, teacher, coach, mentor, or neighbor — can play a role in supporting the mental health of our youth. Here’s where to start:

• Educate yourself about the unique challenges young people face today.
• Listen without judgment and create safe spaces for honest conversation.
• Check in regularly, even when everything seems “fine” on the surface.
• Advocate for school-based mental health programs and policies that increase access to care.

While social media may give the appearance of connection, many young people are experiencing profound loneliness. Your genuine engagement can be a lifeline, reminding them that they are valued, supported, and never alone.

Moving From Record Sadness to Record Hope

We cannot accept the current levels of distress among our youth as the new normal. By meeting young people where they are, amplifying their voices, and expanding access to mental health resources, we can work together to create a future filled with hope, resilience, and possibility.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use, suicide, or mental health crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.