I See You

I See You

There is an epidemic of despair among young Americans.

According to the CDC, between the years of 2021 and 2023, 13,655 kids between ages 10 and 24 died of suicide. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among 10-14 year olds in America.

Between 2020 and 2021, the number one cause of death among 1-17 year olds was gunshot wounds.

In 2021, among 14-18 year olds, there were 108,000 overdose deaths.

The number one cause of death for 18-45 year olds is fentanyl overdose.

Between 2015 and 2021, the number of 5-12 year old children prescribed antidepressants increased by 41%.

According to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in 2021, there were more than 29 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation.

Approximately 460,000 children go missing from The United States each year. An estimated 30% of those missing are trafficked. This is the worst form of slavery that has existed since the beginning of time.

Todays youth are the most photographed generation of all time. Their pictures are shared on social media, and their sense of self-worth is measured by comments and likes. However, in spite of all of this attention, our children are not feeling seen.

Despair and emotional anguish are synonymous with loneliness. Those who suffer internally generally suffer alone.

Children need to be seen. It is time to recognize that there is some evil force in our society, and it is preying on our most vulnerable. Childhood and innocence are under attack.

Children deserve to be seen and they deserve to be protected.

Mixed fiber freeform crochet on an oak branch frame.