Record rates of depression and suicide risk in teenage girls in the U.S.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that suicidal thoughts among teenage girls have skyrocketed to record highs over the past decade.

According to the CDC report, persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness have increased by 60% in the last 10 years. Although both girls and boys experienced mental health problems, it is girls who suffer from them more frequently.

By 2021, the figures were already alarming, with 57% of high school girls saying they had experienced permanent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and 30% saying they considered ending their lives. Whereas, 29% of boys reported having persistent feelings of sadness, and 14% reported thinking about suicide.

"These data show that the mental-health crisis among young people continues," said CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health Director Kathleen Ethier.

According to The Wall Street Journal, girls often bear the brunt of the high rates of harassment and discrimination they face compared to boys, not to mention beauty standards and career pressures.

Despite this, Ethier stresses that it is important to act "with urgency and compassion" to help both girls and boys suffering from mental health problems.

"With the right programs and services in place, schools have the unique ability to help our youth flourish," she said.

Teenagers and cyberbullying

Another survey recently released by the Pew Research Center indicated that 46% of teens in the United States have experienced some form of cyberbullying, with their appearance being the most common cause for being bullied.