Did you know, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States for ages 10-35? Although teens were struggling with- mental health issues before COVID-19, early findings indicate that feelings of hopelessness and serious contemplation of suicide have increased due to the pandemic. This is very concerning since suicide rates have been increasing every year since 2007 for those ages 10 to 24; rates increased by nearly 60% between 2007 and 2018, according to the CDC.

Teens who already have mental health issues, approximately 13.3% of our youth ages 12-17, are at a higher risk of their conditions worsening. Increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder have been found among youth of various age groups as a result of the pandemic. COVID-19 has forced us all to change our routines and adapt to a new normal removed from social, physical, and educational interactions. Adolescents are also affected by the impact this has had on their caregivers, including financial and emotional stress, unemployment, the fear of infection, and some being forced to spend more time in abusive and dysfunctional homes.

What’s alarming is that in 2020 the CDC saw a 31% jump in suspected suicide attempts in emergency rooms among youth ages 12-17 (compared to 2019); It was a 51% increase among girls. Weekly number of emergency room visits increase nearly 40% in Winter 2021.

In CT, almost 14% of high schoolers consider suicide each year and 8% make an attempt. In some communities, the rate is even higher in middle schools. 

Suicide risk is higher for those who have experienced violence, including bullying, child abuse, or sexual violence. LGBTQIA+ youth are also at a higher risk, this group seriously contemplates suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth....

Talking About It Host Cindy Graziano talks with Emily Torchiana, Founder of Lost Got Found, about the personal journey she undertook nationwide to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health. Rather than suffer in silence as many do, Emily seeks to help others who also struggle with mental illnesses by sharing her personal experience of suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, social anxiety, and overcoming a suicide attempt.

This week Greg Williams discusses his story of recovery. Greg's story leads us through getting into recovery before his 18th birthday, learning to listen, finding a vibrant community, and then finding his voice through film making and recovery advocacy. Listen now.

The WorkPlace will host a virtual Recovery Open House on September 23 from 1 pm - 2 pm as part of Recovery Month, an annual observance held each September.

Community organizations that support those in recovery or would like to learn more about resources are invited to join us on Zoom to learn about mental health and substance use disorder programs available in the Bridgeport area.

Get information from local programs including Recovery Works, The Liberation Program, RYASAP, and Pivot Ministries and learn about:

September 29th, 7 - 8 PM

Want to submit an event for us to promote? Send a PDF and/or link with description to info@thehubct.org.