WA Teens More Anxious, But Less Likely To Abuse Drugs: Study

OLYMPIA, WA — A Washington State Health Care Authority survey of hundreds of high schoolers has found a concerning rise in mental health issues, but a promising decline in substance abuse.

The Healthy Youth Survey is a voluntary study given to students from 6th grade to 12th grade every two years, as a way to monitor the health of Washington's middle and high school students. Participants are kept anonymous.

“Being a teenager these days can be difficult. Not many people are asking how we are really doing and what they can do to help,” said one HYS participant. “I really appreciate the opportunity to answer questions about myself and how I am feeling, in an anonymous way, knowing my answers can help me and other kids my age be healthier.”

Now that the results of the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey are in, the state Health Care Authority says it shows a worrying rise in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in young Washingtonians. A snapshot of Washington's 10th graders found that, in 2021:

• 7 in 10 10th graders reported feeling nervous, anxious, on edge, or not being able to stop or control worrying.
• 38 percent reported feeling sad or hopeless in the last year.
• 20 percent reported they seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months.
• 16 percent reported they made a suicide plan in the past 12 months.
• 8 percent reported they attempted suicide in the last year.

Health care officials say the pandemic may be to blame for the increases in stress, anxiety and suicidal ideation.

“There is no doubt that the past two years have been challenging for our young people,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “Despite the uncertainty of the evolving pandemic, families, educators, and schools have worked hard to support our students, maintain hope, and build resiliency.”

Researchers also note that some groups were more likely to report mental health issues than others, including students who identify as female, students who identify as LGBTQ+, students with disabilities, and students from lower income households.

“Reports of our children suffering with mental health issues are a worrisome public health concern,” said Washington Secretary of Health Dr,. Umair A. Shah. “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.”

Though the rise in mental health concerns is an issue that will need to be addressed, researchers say there are still reasons for hope. 7 in 10 10th-graders reported feelings of "moderate to high hope", meaning they had set life goals or pathways and were planning on working to achieve them. More students also reported that they were aware that using alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco could be damaging for their health, and fewer reported using drugs.

“It’s encouraging to see these low rates of substance use reported this year,” said Health Care Authority Director Sue Birch. “We know preventing youth from using substances, especially at early ages, can support healthier brain development and contribute to school success and overall improved adolescent health outcomes. This is positive news and we do hope to see lower rates continue in future surveys; however, we are aware there was a very different environment the last two years due to the pandemic."

Of 10th graders who responded to the survey:

• 8 percent reported using alcohol within the last month, down from 19 percent in 2018.
• 7 percent used marijuana within the last month, down from 18 percent.
• 2 percent reported smoking cigarettes within the last month, down from 5 percent.
• 8 percent said they vaped in the last month, down from 21 percent in 2018.

If your child is exhibiting signs of distress or substance abuse, there is help available. Here are a few resources from the state designed to help young people handle behavioral health concerns:

• For LGBTQ+ youth: The Trevor Project
• Help for teens by teens: Teen Link
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides confidential text access from anywhere in the U.S. to a trained crisis counselor. Text HOME to 741741 (24/7/365)
• More resources on the Department of Health’s website