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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING OAK FOREST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RYAN LIPSETT IN CONJUCTION WITH WORLD TEEN MENTAL HEALTH DAY
WHEREAS, March 2nd is World Teen Mental Wellness Day, established in 2020, as a time to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by school-age children and to normalize conversations and dismantle stigmas around teen mental health issues; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Psychological Association, Gen Z has the worst mental health of any generation, and the surgeon general went as far as to declare a mental health crisis for teens in the aftermath of the pandemic and the new stressors and challenges associated with it; and
WHEREAS, in the 10 years leading up to the pandemic, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased by about 40% among young people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and rates were higher among girls and teens identifying as LGBTQ+; and
WHEREAS, mental health struggles are unfortunately common in teens, making up 16% of disease and injuries in people aged 10 to 19, and mental health issues typically start from around 14 years of age and often go undiagnosed and untreated; and
WHEREAS, suicide and depression are some of the leading causes of death among teens, and can even lead to other struggles such as substance abuse as they grow older, and 1 in 10 young adults has suffered from a period of major depression; and
WHEREAS, despite these alarming numbers, teens are dedicated to making a difference, with 64 percent of Gen Z saying they want to achieve a healthier lifestyle for overall happiness, including a stronger self-care routine and 94 percent consider mental health very important to their well-being; and
WHEREAS, raising awareness about mental health and the importance of self-care can help improve an entire generation's mental wellness; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of World Youth Mental Wellness Day on March 2nd,...
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