These statistics emphasize the significant mental health challenges faced by teen girls and young women, and underscores the importance of targeted mental health support systems. It is a critical time to lay a foundation of strong mental and emotional skills.
A Vital Stage
The adolescent stage involves the greatest biopsychosocial changes we undergo in life. During this time, adolescents are more sensitive to positive and negative experiences. As they move from dependence to independence, changes are coming rapidly and the demands are signicantly higher in each new stage of life. During this vital time, they need to feel seen, heard and supported. It creates the perfect opportunity to have a profoundly positive impact.
The Stats
Research indicates that many young women struggle with confidence and courage. These challenges often stem from a combination of societal pressures, developmental changes, and unique life experiences.
- The American Psychological Association reports that approximately 50% of mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% begin by age 24.
- In 2023 the CDC reported that approximately 53% of high school girls were experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness.
- Most studies indicate that women are 2x more likely than men to experience common mental health problems, like depression and anxiety.
- The WHO predicts that by 2030, depression will become the leading cause of disability worldwide, contributing significantly to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Approximately one in five women in the US experiences a mental health problem such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or an eating disorder each year.
