Mental Health Awareness

Norfolk Public Schools Shares Important Mental Health Resources

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a severe mental illness each year.
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14.
People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population.
High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers.
1 in 5 young people report that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health.
Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are 3x more likely to repeat a grade.

Retrieved from National Alliance on Mental Health
Source: Data from CDC, NIMH, and other select sources.
Find citations at nami.org/mhstats

Supportive families, communities, and resources can help youth build strong foundations for lifelong well-being.

By teaching children and teens coping skills, we can empower them to take charge of their mental health.
Know the signs of mental health issues in children and teens. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
Start the conversation early: talking about mental health can help children and teens build coping skills and feel comfortable with their emotions.
Nurturing relationships and environments are important for helping children and teens develop good mental health and manage life stressors in healthy ways.
Good mental health increases the ability of children and teens to practice self-care and face challenges with resilience.