Adolescent Mental Health: Eli’s Story

The Adolescent Mental Health Series is brought to you by OPTT.

According to the World Health Organization1, 1 in 6 adolescents aged 10–19 have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Additionally, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among teenagers. This issue does not just exist in the United States, an estimated 1.2 million1 youth in Canada are also affected by mental illness however, less than 20% receive treatment.

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This series explores the stories, feelings, and insights from teenagers who are battling mental health disorders.

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In April 2022, Eli found himself making one of the most difficult decisions of his life. His depression had only gotten worse after studying at UCLA for a few months. He could not get out of bed in the morning to…