What We Are Riffing About!

The pandemic only exacerbated rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among youth that were already on the rise. A recent national poll by Effective School Solutions found that 90% of school administrators say the youth mental health crisis is growing.

Derrick was a bright, warm 15-year-old who started experiencing debilitating anxiety and depression, and increasingly avoided going to school. Although his mother desperately tried to find him the mental health care he needed, no one — including his school — was able to help. Eventually, Derrick’s mother called our Education Helpline, where we hear from family after family how difficult it is to find their children the mental health support they need.