VERMONT

ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH IN VERMONT

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 Vermont, this translates to an estimated:

9,052 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 Vermont:

9% suffered an episode of major depression

5% experienced illicit drug dependence or abuse

6% experienced alcohol dependence or abuse

(2006-2007, SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health Promotion)

ADOLESCENT SUICIDE IN VERMONT

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 11 to 21 year-olds. Between 1999 and 2006, 44 of these young people died by suicide. (CDC, WISQARS Database)

High school students reported in 2007 that within the last 12-month period:
- 21% felt sad and hopeless enough over a two-week period to halt usual activity
- 24% thought seriously about suicide
- 9% made a plan for suicide
- 5% attempted suicide
- 2% made a suicide attempt that required medical attention
  (CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance)