ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH IN NORTH CAROLINA
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 North Carolina, this translates to an estimated:
- 134,610 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 North Carolina:
- 8% 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 NORTH CAROLINA
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 11 to 21 year-olds. Between 1999 and 2006, 647 of these young people died by suicide. (CDC, WISQARS Database)
- High school students reported in 2001 that within the last 12-month period:
- 27% felt sad and hopeless enough over a two-week period to halt usual activity
- 12% thought seriously about suicide
- 9% made a plan for suicide
- 13% attempted suicide
(CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance)
STATE MENTAL HEALTH AGENCY
Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities & Substance Abuse Services
Department of Health and Human Resources
3001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-3001
www.dhhs.state.nc.us
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