Mental Health in the Youth of Washington

Mental health has been a continuous problem for teenagers all around our state

Inesh Dey and Iris Dey

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THE PROBLEM

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According to Mental Health America; Washington is the 10th lowest state in terms of mental wellness, with a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care

Overall Washington is the 18th worst state in terms of access to mental healthcare

and...

According to UW Medicine, 25% of Washington residents don’t have access to mental health care services

Washington is one of the lowest ranking nations in terms of mental health care access in the nation, nearly half of all Washington counties do not have a single working psychiatrist.

It’s important to share your emotions,
and talk to a trusted adult

Mental health is not a joke.

Here are some statistics...


THE STATS

Teenagers who have considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months

Click on a county to see its percentage.

Select a County


More Statistics

This data was acquired from the last official Washington State Health Assessment in 2018


How is the WSDH (Washington State Department of Health) helping?

The Washington State Department of Health has noticed the problem of poor mental health in Washington



THE PROBLEM


“Since 1957 psychologists in Washington State have been licensed and regulated by the state under Chapter 18.83 RCW. Psychologists play a critical role in the delivery of mental health services in Washington State. However, their current scope of practice does not include the authority to prescribe medications for the treatment and management of mental disorders. Adding prescriptive authority to the scope of practice for those eligible psychologists in this state who have successfully completed additional education and training in clinical psychopharmacology will create much needed capacity in a significantly overburdened mental health and primary care system, while ensuring the health and safety of the public.”



SO WHAT?


“Washington State is ranked 45th in the United States on measures of mental illness prevalence and access to car (Mental Health America, 2020). Research reviewed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that half of all adults in the United States will experience one or more episodes of a mental disorder in their lifetimes (Kessler et al., 2007). Approximately 1 in 5 children will experience a seriously debilitating mental illness (Merikangas et al, 2010). Untreated mental disorders not only negatively impact individuals and their family’s lives, but also adds significantly to the economic burden of our society. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 14% of the global economic burden of disease is attributed to mental disorders, but most people affected do not receive treatment (WHO, 2019).”


Where can I find support?

With the stress of overall stress of youth, it's hard to speak especially with the lack of psychiatrist in our state the best way to communicate is online. Here are some ways you can contact people that can help:

These are what the Washington State Department of Health recommends...

If you're in a Mental Health Crisis:

What if you’re a parent trying to help your kids?

How can you help someone in need of Mental Health support?

Learn more: https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/mental-and-emotional-well-being



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