MENTAL HEALTH

More than 7 in 10 Connecticut students report good mental health most or all of the time.

While we often hear about mental health challenges, here's the positive perspective: According to the 2023 CT School Health Survey, more than 7 in 10 Connecticut students (72.2%) report good mental health most or all of the time, demonstrating remarkable resilience. This positive mental health serves as a powerful protective factor that extends far beyond emotional wellbeing. When young people have strong emotional regulation skills, healthy coping strategies, and positive social connections, they're far less likely to turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances to manage stress or emotions. This means they are less likely to encounter dangerous substances like fentanyl-laced pills and other drugs.

The Connecticut Mental Health Landscape

What's Working

Strong Family Foundations

85.6% of students feel loved and supported by their families – that's more than 8 out of 10 young people who know they have a strong foundation at home
Nearly 9 in 10 students (89.4%) have adults ensuring their basic needs are met – showing Connecticut families are actively caring for their children's wellbeing
Half of all students (49%) feel comfortable talking to a caring adult about their feelings – and this number is growing, up from 44% just two years ago

Connected Communities

6 out of 10 students (60.1%) feel close to people at their school – school connectedness is increasing, showing our communities are working
More than 7 in 10 students (71.7%) participate in organized activities like sports, clubs, music, or community groups – up significantly from recent years
Nearly 8 in 10 students (78%) are succeeding academically with mostly A's and B's

The Challenges

Mental Health

35.2% of students experienced periods of sadness or hopelessness that interfered with their usual activities for two or more weeks in a row
Female students (46.5%) experience these feelings at much higher rates than male students (23.6%)
Nearly 3 in 10 students (27.8%) report that their mental health was not good most or all of the time during the past month
15.7% of students seriously considered attempting suicide during the past year
7.7% of students attempted suicide one or more times during the past year

RX Drug Misuse:

12.2% of students have misused prescription pain medicine without a doctor's prescription or differently than prescribed

Self-Care for Mental Health

Practice Self-Care Daily: Just like you take care of your physical health, emotional health requires daily practices. Below are a few things that help you maintain good mental health. Here are more ideas.

Stay Connected

Maintain relationships with friends, family, and mentors

Practice Mindfulness

Take moments to check in with yourself

Get Moving

Regular physical activity boosts mood and manages stress

Get Enough Sleep

Your brain needs rest to function at its best

Create Boundaries

It's okay to say no and prioritize your wellbeing

Do Things You Enjoy

Make time for activities that bring you joy

Getting Help is a Sign of Strength

Sometimes you need additional support. Getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talking to a mental health professional can help with all kinds of issues, whether you're working on a particular goal, managing relationship problems, struggling with a mental illness, or having suicidal thoughts. You are not alone, there is help available. Finding the right therapist might take some time and effort, but there are many ways to access affordable mental health care, and you can take steps to care for yourself while you're seeking support.

The Jed Foundation has a wealth of mental health resources. Check it out!

Crisis Support

TAKE SUICIDAL TALK SERIOUSLY!

Know the warning signs and reach out to one of the crisis hotlines below. If there is an immediate danger, call 911, 211 or go to the nearest emergency room.