Approximately one out of ever four to five children, teens, and young adults is dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression, but fewer than half are getting the evidenced-based treatment they need.

COPE helps young people develop the skills necessary to stop negative or unhelpful thoughts and start thinking and acting in more positive ways.

Children, teens and young adults learn how to:

• Reduce negative thoughts and emotions

• Increase healthy behaviors

• Improve Communication

• Build problem-solving skills

• Understand and cope with stress

• Set achievable goals

• Enhance self-esteem and resilience

• Feel happier, healthier, and more positive

U.S. Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence

“According to new CDC data, nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade. While all teens reported increasing mental health challenges, experiences of violence, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, girls fared worse than boys across nearly all measures. The new report also confirms ongoing and extreme distress among teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning (LGBQ+). “High school should be a time for trailblazing, not trauma. These data show our kids need far more support to cope, hope, and thrive,” Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., CDC’s Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science. “Proven school prevention programs can offer teens a vital lifeline in these growing waves of trauma.”’

“With these alarming increases, we need preventive and early evidence-based interventions. COPE can help as it has demonstrated its efficacy in decreasing depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts as well as improving healthy behaviors in over 20 studies. -Bern Melnyk

The COPE program is taught in the parishes of East Carroll, Morehouse, Richland and Ouachita.

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