Healthy Youth Survey: Worrying Figures on the Mental Health of Young People in Washington D.C.

The Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) released alarming figures: 70% of young people in Washington D.C. suffer from anxiety and 20% have had suicidal thoughts.

The worrying data for students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 was analyzed by HYS. It shows that students belonging to the LGBTQ+ population are the ones who feel most affected by mental health issues.

On the other hand, the study also shows that compared to the previous year (2020), the population does not consume as much alcohol or substances given the risk that these two factors have.  

“Mental health is a part of our children’s overall health and well-being. It is imperative that we all continue to work together to fully support the whole child by providing information and access to behavioral health resources to youth and the trusted adults in their lives.”

Dr. Umair A. Shah

Evan Schreiber and Kellee Azar | Komo News