10th grade (around 15-16 years old) represents a crucial period in adolescent development.
This age group is often considered the peak risk for developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, compared to younger or older youth. Transitioning from middle school to high school can be stressful and challenging for many adolescents. They may face academic pressures, social changes, and increased independence, all of which can contribute to increased vulnerability to mental health issues. Measuring depressive feelings and contemplation of suicide at this point can provide valuable insights into their mental well-being during a critical transition period. In analyzing the Healthy Youth Survey data, we aim to look at the various risk factors and protective factors that contribute to a child’s mental health and well-being.
- Risk factors are things in a young person’s life that make it more likely for them to face challenges like bullying, poverty, or mental health issues in the family. Think of them like bumps on the road, making it harder for young people to navigate life smoothly.
- Protective factors are things in a young person’s life that help them overcome challenges and thrive, like strong family bonds, supportive friends, positive role models, and access to resources like after-school programs. Think of them like strong car tires, helping smooth out the bumps and making it easier for young people to reach their full potential.
It’s important to note that using one data point to represent the overall mental health of an entire age group has limitations.
Risk Factors:
Data caption: In Whatcom County, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning youth are more likely to be anxious than their straight peers.
Data caption: In Whatcom County, Black, Indigenous, and Multiracial youth experience higher rates of depressive feelings than their white peers. Gay, lesbian, or bisexual youth are more likely to experience depressive feelings than their straight peers.
Data caption: In Whatcom County, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning youth are more likely to seriously consider suicide than their straight peers. Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Multiracial youth are more likely to seriously consider suicide than their white peers.
Protective Factors
These indicators show us how the presence of protective factors positively impacts rates of depression and suicide contemplation.
Data Caption: Overall, family dinners have benefits beyond the meal itself. They create a foundation for strong family relationships, healthy habits, and improved well-being for children and adolescents. It’s important to note that while this indicator focuses on eating together, it’s really about finding ways for families to connect meaningfully, which may look different depending on each family’s needs, culture, and interests.
Data caption: Supportive relationships with trusted adults are linked to reduced rates of depression and anxiety in youth and can help youth develop coping skills and resilience to navigate challenges.
Dashboards were developed in collaboration with the Whatcom County Health and Community Services data team. For even more Whatcom County data, visit www.whatcomhealthinsights.org.