The Reality We Face
Our initiative was ignited by the urgent and poignant call to action delivered by the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murphy, M.D., M.B.A., in December of 2021. Dr. Murphy's rare public health advisory shed light on the alarming rise in mental health challenges among young individuals, amplified by the lingering impacts of the pandemic and the adverse consequences of increasingly pervasive social media exposure.
In Dr. Murphy's words, the mental health challenges facing children, teens, and young adults represent "the defining public health issue of our time." Young people are grappling with a myriad of stresses, and it is crucial to remind them that it is okay to ask for help.
Dr. Murphy also emphasized the detrimental impact of societal messages that undermine the self-worth of young individuals, perpetuating feelings of inadequacy. From unrealistic beauty standards to concerns about popularity, intelligence, and wealth, these pressures all contribute to a pervasive sense of not being "enough." Our initiative aims to counteract this by creating an environment where seeking help is not only acceptable, but encouraged.
The Disturbing Statistics
Suicide Rates among Young People aged 10-24
A staggering 57% increase in the national suicide rate among adolescents and young adults between 2007 and 2018, after a period of stability in the previous decade.
Source: CDC
A concerning 44% of American high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a 40% overall increase from 2009.
In 2019, 1 in 3 high school students, and half of female students, reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
An astonishing median delay of 11 years in the United States between when an individual first experiences symptoms of a mental disorder and when they seek professional help.
A National Crisis
In May of 2023, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. The advisory highlighted the risks associated with social media use among children and adolescents, emphasizing the urgent need for action to understand and mitigate these risks.
Social media use among young people is nearly universal, with up to 95% of young people ages 13-17 reporting using a social media platform.
Recent research shows that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of poor mental health outcomes.
Social media may perpetuate body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescent girls.
46% of adolescents aged 13-17 reported feeling worse about their body image due to social media.
Studies indicate a correlation between social media use and poor sleep quality, reduced sleep duration, sleep difficulties, and depression among youth.
The Surgeon General’s Advisory calls for urgent action and emphasizes the need to protect children's mental health. In the face of these challenges, Chasing Excellence stands as a beacon of hope, providing support, resources, and a platform for open dialogue about mental health. Together, let's break down the barriers to wellbeing and empower our youth to thrive.
An Urgent Call to Action
Chase Excellence. Break Stigmas. Inspire Change. Thrive Together.