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📈 Overall Youth Mental Health Trends
1 in 5 children and adolescents experience a mental health disorder in a given year.
Mental health–related emergency room visits for youth increased over 40% in the last decade.
Rates of persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness among teens have more than doubled since the early 2000s.
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💭 Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition among youth.
About 31–32% of adolescents (ages 13–18) experience an anxiety disorder at some point.
Nearly 1 in 4 teens report feeling anxious most days.
Anxiety symptoms are being reported at younger ages than 20 years ago.
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💙 Depression
About 1 in 5 adolescents has experienced a major depressive episode.
Depression rates among teens increased by over 60% between 2007 and 2019.
Teenage girls report depression at nearly twice the rate of boys.
Less than 50% of youth with depression receive treatment.
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⚠️ Suicide & Self-Harm
Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth ages 10–24.
Suicide rates among youth increased by over 50% from 2000 to 2021.
More than 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered attempting suicide.
Suicide attempts and ideation have increased most sharply among:
Youth of color
LGBTQ+ youth
Youth experiencing trauma or poverty
🧠 Youth Minds Matter
Over the past 20 years, youth mental health challenges have increased significantly, with anxiety and depression now affecting nearly one in three adolescents. Suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth ages 10–24. Despite this, more than half of youth experiencing mental health challenges do not receive treatment. Youth-led, school-based mental health awareness initiatives are proven to reduce stigma, increase help-seeking behaviors, and strengthen peer support networks—making early intervention and community-based programming critical.
60%
🏫 School & Access to Care
Over 60% of youth with a mental health condition do not receive mental health services.
Schools are the most common place where youth receive mental health support.
Students report improved outcomes when schools provide:
Counseling access
Mental health education
Peer support programs
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📱 Social Media & Mental Health
Teens who spend 3+ hours per day on social media report higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Increased screen time is linked to:
Poor sleep
Low self-esteem
Cyberbullying
Social media pressure is especially impactful for teen girls
🌱 Positive Trend
Strong Minds,
Strong Communities
Youth today are more open to talking about mental health than 10–20 years ago. Help-seeking behaviors are increasing. Youth-led awareness campaigns significantly increase peer-support and reduce stigma.
🧠 Mental Health Information & Resources
You’re not alone — support is available.
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, or just need someone to talk to, these resources can help.
📞 Emergency & Crisis Support
📌 Always call 911 if someone is in danger or at risk of harming themselves.
🆘 Suicide & Crisis Lines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 24/7 for immediate emotional support.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME or REACH to 741741 (free 24/7 support via text).
Safe2Help Illinois – Text SAFE2 (72332) to report school safety issues, bullying, or emotional concerns.
🏙️ Local Mental Health Services in Aurora-Area
🧠 Counseling & Support
Association for Individual Development (AID)
Mental health support, crisis services, outreach, and referrals.
Phone: 630-966-4000
Crisis/Hotline option: call for immediate support.
Family Counseling Service
Outpatient therapy and counseling for individuals and families.
Phone: 630-844-2662
Delnor/DuPage Medical Group
Mental health treatment and emergency services.
Phone: 630-208-3000
Presence Mercy Hospital Behavioral Health
Evaluations and crisis support.
Phone: 630-801-2657
👨👩👧 School & Youth Supports
Aurora Public Schools — Mental Health Services
Every APS school has counselors, social workers, and psychologists.
Services include individual and group support & referrals.
Contact your school’s student services department for assistance.
Aurora City Youth Services
City of Aurora Youth Services: assistance for youth and families, referrals to programs.
Phone: 630-256-3402
📘 County & Community Resources
Kane County Health Department
Health support including mental health referrals.
Phone: 630-208-3801
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — Local Chapters
Support, education, and advocacy.
NAMI DuPage & NAMI South Kane: 630-752-0066 / 630-896-6264
NAMI Helpline (Illinois): 800-950-6264 or email info@nami.org
211 Helpline (IL Resource Referral)
Free, confidential connection to services including mental health, housing, food, and more.
Dial 211 any time.
📱 Online & Text-Based Support
Safe2Help Illinois
Anonymous reporting and support tool for youth safety, bullying, and mental health concerns.
Text SAFE2 to 72332.
Crisis Text Line
Text-driven support: text HOME to 741741 anytime.
📖 Helpful Tips for Youth & Families
What to do if you or a friend is struggling:
Talk to a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, coach, parent).
Call or text a crisis line if you feel unsafe.
Reach out to school or community mental health professionals.
Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise to calm anxiety:
5 things you see
4 things you can touch
3 things you hear
2 things you smell
1 thing you taste