ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH IN DELAWARE
Among U.S. children and adolescents aged 10 to 19, approximately 11% are estimated to suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers. In Delaware, this translates to an estimated:
- 12,873 young people suffering from serious mental illness with significant functional impairment.
(1999, Report of the U.S. Surgeon General & 2008, U.S. Census Estimates)
Among adolescents 12 to 17 years old in Delaware:
- 9% suffered an episode of major depression
- 4% experienced illicit drug dependence or abuse
- 4% experienced alcohol dependence or abuse
(2006-2007, SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health Promotion)
ADOLESCENT SUICIDE IN DELAWARE
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 11 to 21 year-olds. (CDC, WISQARS Database)
- High school students reported in 2007 that within the last 12-month period:
- 27% felt sad and hopeless enough over a two-week period to halt usual activity
- 11% thought seriously about suicide
- 9% made a plan for suicide
- 6% attempted suicide
- 2% made a suicide attempt that required medical attention
(CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance)
TEENSCREEN IN DELAWARE
TeenScreen Schools and Communities sites: 2
The first local TeenScreen program was established: 2003
STATE MENTAL HEALTH AGENCY
Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
1901 North DuPont Highway, Main Building
New Castle, DE 19720
Website: www.dhss.delaware.gov
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