February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and we have continued to expand our domestic violence services that seek to serve and care for victims of all ages. Comprehensive Healthcare’s Aspen Victim Advocacy Services provide aid and services to domestic violence, sexual assault and other victims across Ellensburg and Yakima. Crisis intervention, safety planning, community resources, legal and medical advocacy assistance is provided in a safe and confidential environment.
This year’s theme is Talk About It, which is a call to action for youth to engage in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships and navigate what may be unhealthy or even abusive.
Even outside of romantic relationships, younger children and teens may face additional risks for mental health concerns, and they are most likely to seek help from friends and peers. If you are helping a friend through a crisis, remember that sometimes the best thing you can do is be there for your loved one and make sure a trusted adult is informed as well.
Recent studies reveal that youth are facing additional challenges, and friends are often the first go-to in times of crisis. In December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on the youth mental health crisis further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The advisory disclosed that rates of psychological distress among young people, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders have increased.
The advisory included research conducted by JAMA Pediatrics in its Global Prevalence of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Children and Adolescents During COVID-19: A Meta-analysis found that among 80,000 youth globally, depression and anxiety symptoms doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depression symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms.
Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available.
As your community behavioral healthcare providers, we understand that you are facing unique stressors and are readily available to serve you. Each of our centers offer a wide variety of programs to meet your specific need – learn more at comphc.org.
In a crisis / supporting someone in a crisis?
Call our crisis line 7 days a week at (800) 572-8122
Have questions or on the lookout for resources or a listening ear?
Call Washington Listens at (833) 681-0211
