Teen Girls Mental Health Articles

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found teen girls in the United States are experiencing record-high levels of violence, sadness, and suicide risk.

To break it down with numbers:

Nearly three in five (57 percent) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—double that of boys, representing a nearly 60 percent increase and the highest level reported over the past decade.
More than 1 in 4 girls reported they seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021, up nearly 60 percent from 2011. More than 1 in 10 girls reported they attempted suicide in 2021, up 30 percent from a decade ago. Alcohol use is also higher among girls than boys.
Almost 1 in 5 teen girls experienced sexual violence in the past year—a 20 percent increase since 2017.
More than 1 in 10 teen girls reported they had been forced to have sex—up 27 percent since 2019 and the first increase since CDC began monitoring this measure.

The new report also confirms ongoing and extreme distress among teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning.

Since our launch in 2019, Girls That Create has posted many stories focusing on mental health, especially for pre-teens and teens. We’ve compiled those stories below and here is a link to our Directory of Organizations and Support for families.

Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Call or text 988. Chat at 988lifeline.org. Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.