CDC says that one-third of US teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021

According to recent federal data, there has been an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among teenage girls during the pandemic. The latest results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, published by the CDC, showed that the percentage of high school female students who seriously considered attempting suicide rose from 24.1% to 30% between 2019 and 2021. There was also an increase in suicide plans and attempts during this time.

The differences were observed when it came to students' ages, race/ethnicity or gender identity. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was higher for 9th and 10th-grade girls compared to 12th-grade girls. Freshman and sophomore high school girls were also more likely to make a suicide plan and attempt suicide compared to senior high school girls. Therefore, early prevention and intervention are essential to prevent suicide, especially for 9th and 10th-grade girls.

Black students were nearly 1.5 times more likely than white female students to report having attempted suicide in 2021. Hispanic female students had increased rates of suicide attempts requiring medical attention compared to white female students. The CDC also found that LGBQ+ students had higher rates of reporting attempted suicide than heterosexual students. Those identifying as lesbian or gay had nearly 1.9 times higher rates, identifying as bisexual nearly 3.3 times higher rates, and identifying as questioning 1.5 times higher rates compared to heterosexual students.

On the other hand, when it comes to suicidal thoughts and behaviors among male students, percentages were relatively stable between 2019 and 2021. Therefore, it is important to address the specific needs of female students, especially those in 9th and 10th grades, and those who identify as Black, Hispanic, or LGBQ+.

Early prevention and intervention strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among these groups.