The reality for today’s youth is both inspiring and heartbreaking. On one hand, more young people than ever are talking openly about mental health. On the other, the challenges they face—stress, anxiety, depression, suicide risk—have reached unprecedented levels. For many, especially those in college or transitioning into adulthood, the pressure to succeed academically, socially, and personally can feel overwhelming.
At L and D Wellness Thrive Together, we see these struggles every day. Our mission is clear: to create safe, supportive spaces where youth and families can find help, hope, and healing. But to truly understand why our work matters, it’s important to look at where we are now.
A Crisis We Can’t Ignore
Over the past decade, suicide rates among young people aged 10 to 24 have risen dramatically—by more than 50%. For Black youth, the increase has been closer to 80%. Girls aged 10 to 14 have experienced the sharpest rise, with rates nearly tripling..
Even in high school, the signs are alarming. Four out of ten students say they feel persistently sad or hopeless. One in five has seriously considered suicide, and almost 10% have attempted it. In college, where students should be discovering their potential, more than 45% are struggling with their mental health. These numbers are not just statistics—they are lived experiences for students on our campuses and in our communities.
Finding Light in the Darkness
Yet, there’s hope. A recent national survey found that 95% of youth feel cared for by someone in their lives, and over three-quarters feel a strong sense of belonging. Many remain optimistic about their future, even while acknowledging their struggles.
We’ve also seen innovation making a difference. New mobile health tools, like wearable devices that detect stress and anxiety in real time, are giving students ways to respond to mental strain before it escalates. Schools and communities are beginning to take a more proactive approach, integrating mental health education and resources into daily life.
What Works: Building Stronger Support Systems
One of the most powerful tools in mental health advocacy is peer connection. Programs like Active Minds and Hope Squad prove that students can be each other’s lifelines—spotting signs of distress, offering understanding, and guiding friends toward professional help.
Early intervention is also critical. Initiatives like teen Mental Health First Aid are equipping young people with the skills to recognize when someone needs support and to act quickly. On campuses, wellness programs are replacing alcohol-centered events with sober activities, mindfulness classes, and community-building opportunities.
This is the kind of work L and D Wellness Thrive Together champions—bringing evidence-based programs into spaces where young people already gather, and making mental health resources as accessible as possible.
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.“
Glenn Cose
Our Role in the Movement
At L and D Wellness Thrive Together, we’re not just talking about mental health—we’re actively building a culture of care. We host workshops, provide suicide prevention training, offer addiction recovery support, and create opportunities for youth to lead change in their own communities.
We believe that prevention starts with conversation, but it must be followed by action. Every student deserves access to help without fear of stigma, financial barriers, or cultural misunderstandings. That’s why we also work to ensure that our programs are inclusive and culturally responsive, reaching those who are most at risk.
How You Can Help
This is a movement that requires all of us. Every donation to L and D Wellness Thrive Together directly funds mental health education, suicide prevention initiatives, and addiction recovery support for youth and families.
By giving today, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re helping to save lives, strengthen communities, and ensure that young people have the tools they need to thrive.
Donate now. Stand with us. Let’s make sure no young person faces their struggles alone.
