Youth Risk Behavior Survey Part II: Junior high students reveal ongoing challenges

In the March 2 edition of the "New Rockford Transcript," we reported on the findings of the New Rockford-Sheyenne High School's Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) with a specific focus on the responses high school students provided.

This self-reporting survey was designed to measure priority health-risk behaviors that fall mainly into eight categories: unintentional injuries and violence, tobacco use, alcohol use, other drug use, sexual behaviors, dietary behaviors, physical activity, social capital and other health factors.

For the junior high students who completed the YRBS in the spring of 2019, the results suggest this is a tenacious and resilient group of young people who are facing their challenges head-on.

As many of you may remember, junior high is a difficult time for students. They are no longer part of the elementary school but aren't yet in high school. They are undergoing vast physical changes and carry a fair share of emotional baggage. They are also learning about the real world both in school and out in their communities. Heavy topics in world history and current events are now part of their understanding of the world, as well as their place in it.

At NR-S, the junior high students are remarkably active in school activities, with an 86% reported involvement rate, 10% higher than the state average. With activities ranging from archery to speech and FCCLA to basketball, there is something for everyone. This allows students to explore their interests, build their strengths and solidify relationships,

When it comes to these active junior high students, it seems like food is always on the mind. However, only 25% of students say they regularly eat breakfast in the mornings. That food insecurity extends into other parts of the day, as 13.9% reported that they often go hungry because there isn't enough food in their homes. This leaves students vulnerable to fatigue and irritability.

In the Junior High experience Friendships begin and end. Relationships get complicated and then fizzle out. Grudges are held and hurtful words are said. Students aren't always kind to themselves and they are rarely kind to one another. Of the students who responded to the survey, 52.8% reported they had been bullied on school property and 38.9% have experienced cyberbullying.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see one's place in the world. Instead, students begin to think that perhaps there is no place. Over 40% of junior high students reported having thought about suicide, a total that is nearly twice as high as the state average.

The most common response is to ask, "Why?" Unfortunately, mental health issues rarely offer a sufficient answer to the question of why. Instead, students are left giving replies such as "I don't know." Or perhaps that more apathetic "'dunno." Maybe the more appropriate answer would be "It's complicated."

Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders often make their first appearance at this age. To make matters worse, those who are struggling with mental health issues face a stigma that includes distrust, stereotyping and avoidance. Even more, poor mental health and the stigma that comes with it can have a negative effect on classroom learning and social interactions.

This is a strong area of concern for students, as the percentage of students who reported having seriously considered suicide has grown. In 2017, 26.2% of students reported that they had indeed experienced suicidal ideation. In 2019, the percentage of students who responded yes to this question increased to 41.7%. This is why it is essential for students to have someone to talk to about their feelings. Of the students that completed the YRBS, 47.2% reported feeling hopeless and topics in world history and current events are now part of their understanding of the world, as well as their place in it.

At NR-S, the junior high students are remarkably active in school activities, with an 86% reported involvement rate, 10% higher than the state average. With activities ranging from archery to speech and FCCLA to basketball, there is something for everyone. This allows students to explore their interests, build their strengths and solidify relationships.

When it comes to these active junior high students, it seems like food is always on the mind. However, only 25% of students say they regularly eat breakfast in the mornings. That food insecurity extends into other parts of the day, as 13.9% reported that they often go hungry because there isn't enough food in their homes. This leaves students vulnerable to fatigue and irritability, exacerbating the tense issues that students face.

Relationships get complicated and then fizzle out. Grudges are held and hurtful words are said. Students aren't always kind to themselves and they are rarely kind to one another. Students reported that 52.8% had been bullied on school property and 38.9% have experienced cyberbullying.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see one's place in the world. Over 40% of junior high students reported having thought about suicide, a total that is nearly twice as high as the state average.

Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders often make their first appearance at this age. To make matters worse, those who are struggling with mental health issues face a stigma that includes distrust, stereotyping and avoidance. Even more, poor mental health and the stigma that comes with it can have a negative effect on classroom learning and social interactions.

This is a strong area of concern for students, as the percentage of students who reported having seriously considered suicide has grown. In 2017, 26.2% of students reported that they had indeed experienced suicidal ideation. In 2019, the percentage of students who responded yes to this question increased to 41.7%. This is why it is essential for students to have someone to talk to about their feelings. Of the students that completed the YRBS, 47.2% reported feeling hopeless and sad and 63.9% reported that their mental health was not good. The reasons for which greatly varies from individual to individual. Having someone trusted to discuss problems helps young people learn how to navigate and address mental health issues.

While many resources and hotlines exist for young teens dealing with mental health issues, youth often need the help of a trusted adult or parent to address mental health issues through behavioral therapy or medication. If you are concerned that a student that you care about might be dealing with depression or other mental illnesses, it is important to do some research, keep an open mind, and be receptive to professional help. While depression is marked by prolonged sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating and loss of appetite, other common issues such as anxiety or bipolar disorder may present very differently.

Noticing symptoms of poor mental health is crucial in addressing it, but what is even more key is to communicate. The American Psychological Association suggests a simple, direct yet compassionate question to start the conversation, "I'm really worried about you. Can we talk?" or "I had no idea things were so difficult, I'd like to hear more about what's going on."

Sometimes it is necessary to ask more direct questions such as "have you been thinking of hurting yourself?" or "Do you feel safe?"

Keep in mind, that there are times that immediate help is required. If a teen is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the most important follow-up question to ask is whether they have a plan for suicide. If the teen has made specific suicide plans, it is a crisis that requires immediate attention involving their health care provider.

The question remains, what can we as a community do to best support area youth? The only tried and true answer is to continue talking - and listening - with these students and with each other. We can explore options and build on current partnerships with community groups to address food insecurity. Finally, we can be kind to each other and to ourselves, modeling a practice that can continue for years to come.