Talking About Mental Health Resources
AllHealth Network allhealthnetwork.org (303) 730-8858 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Colorado Chapter afsp.org. Colorado Crisis Services coloradocrisisservices.org (844) 493-8255
Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention cdphe.colorado.gov
BY SANONNA AL TAWEEL
Colorado Mental Health Line 988colorado.com Call or text 988
I t’s no secret that we have a mental health crisis on our hands. The evidence of anxiety and depression—particularly among Gen Z—is everywhere: higher rates of self-reported loneliness, surges in emergency room visits related to self-harm and suicidal ideation, and the increased use of social media as an escape from everyday life. A 2023 Harvard survey found that two in five Gen Z young adults ages 18–25 “feel like they don’t matter to others.” That means that 44 percent of that age group is experiencing a deep sense of disconnection. And they’re not the only ones. Based on U.S. data from 2022–2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 11 percent of children ages 3–17 had current, diagnosed anxiety, and 40 percent of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The survey also reported that 20 percent of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 16 percent had made a plan. THE ROOTS OF THE CRISIS If you’re like me, you read those numbers and your heart sank. How do we have this many young people hurting so badly that they feel they have no other options? The truth is, it’s not just one thing. Today’s generation is facing a myriad of problems.
Take social media, for example. While it is a great way to connect with others and have fun, there are many dark sides to it, including: - The pressure to live a “perfect” life. Constant exposure to others’ (often edited) lives can make people feel like they’re falling short. - Cyberbullying. Online harassment often looks like someone “joking” nowadays. People comment thoughtlessly and hurt others’ feelings just to get some likes - Doomscrolling and access to too much information. I miss the days when my Instagram feed was just people I followed. Now, thanks to AI algorithms, it’s a constant stream of influencers I’ve never heard of, political news, trends you “have” to hop on, and scare-tactic reporting. Another factor contributing to the staggering rates of mental health issues is the long-lasting effects that the pandemic had on our lives. Sure, we’re not stuck inside for months on end anymore, but the disruptions it caused are still being felt. Many young people experienced prolonged social isolation, missing out on crucial milestones like graduations, sports seasons, and time with friends. These losses have left lasting feelings of loneliness and disconnection. At the same time,
IMatter imattercolorado.org
Let’s Talk letstalkco.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness, Colorado Chapter namicolorado.org. (303) 321-3104
Mental Health Colorado mentalhealthcolorado.org (720) 208-2220
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration samhsa.gov Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado suicidepreventioncolorado.org 1-800-273-8255
18 COLORADO PARENT SEPTEMBER 2025
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