The kids are not okay, and it is time for us to face the truth. As long as I have been writing, surveys have shown that the mental health of our young people has been steadily getting worse. But now we are learning that things really took an enormous turn for the worse during the pandemic. As you will see below, one expert is warning that the number of kids that are dealing with mental health issues “has increased exponentially since the pandemic”.
The facts that I am about to share with you are likely to make you very angry. Our system does not work, and millions upon millions of young people are having their lives ruined as a result. The following are 13 numbers that show how dramatically we have failed America’s children…
- One recent survey found that 40 percent of U.S. parents “worry their children struggle with anxiety or depression”.
- During the pandemic, suicide became the second leading cause of death for U.S. children between the ages of 10 and 14.
- Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 15 and 24.
- According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, 46 percent of U.S. kids between the ages of 13 and 17 have experienced cyberbullying.
- 40 percent of U.S. high school students “felt so sad or hopeless” in 2021 that “they were unable to do their regular activities”.
- According to the CDC, “more than 95% of children and adolescents in the U.S. spend much of their daily lives in school”.
- At 23 schools in Baltimore, not one single student is proficient in math.
- At 30 schools in Illinois, not one single student can read at grade level.
- At 53 schools in Illinois, not one single student can do math at grade level.
- According to the CDC, nearly 20 percent of all adolescent female students experienced sexual violence in 2021.
- According to the CDC, nearly 60 percent of all adolescent female students “experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” in 2021.
- According to the CDC, nearly 25 percent of all adolescent female students “made a suicide plan” in 2021.
- The proportion of adolescent female students that actually attempted suicide in 2021 was 60 percent higher than a decade ago.
There is nothing “normal” about these numbers.
The mental health of our young people has been declining for years, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics is telling us that the number of kids and adolescents dealing with mental health issues “has increased exponentially since the pandemic”…
“I would say over the last 10 years, since I’ve been practicing as a general pediatrician, I have seen a shift both in the amount of patients and of all ages dealing with anxiety and depression. And their parents being concerned about this is a key issue,” said Dr. Katherine Williamson, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Even before the pandemic, we were seeing skyrocketing numbers of kids and adolescents dealing with mental health issues, and that has increased exponentially since the pandemic.”
We told our leaders that the incredibly sick and twisted mandates and restrictions that they were forcing upon our young people were going to have very serious mental health consequences.
And that is precisely what has happened.
But of course we must also acknowledge that the mental health of our young people was steadily deteriorating long before the pandemic ever came along.
It has become clear that no matter how much money we pour into our schools, it isn’t going to make things any better.
In fact, to me it is quite apparent that our absolutely pathetic system of public education is a big part of the problem. If you want your teens to hate life, just put them into a public high school.
Having said that, I want to stress that having strong nuclear families is even more important to the mental health of our young people.
Unfortunately, the traditional family unit is under attack like never before, and in many cases it is being replaced by “new arrangements”…
Alysia and Tyler Rogers were already parents to two children, now ages 7 and 8, when they embarked on a romantic relationship with married friends Sean and Taya Hartless.
The two couples, originally from the US, moved in together as a polyamorous foursome in 2020 and the following year, Alysia and Taya delivered babies seven months apart.
Neither woman knows who biologically fathered the kids, with Alysia maintaining they will help the children discover that down the road if they ever want to.
I don’t even know what to say about all of that.
Unfortunately, a smaller percentage of U.S. children are being raised in a traditional home with a traditional father and a traditional mother than ever before.
And that has very serious implications for our future.
As we all get older, we are going to need the next generation to take care of us. According to the Washington Post, it is being projected that the number of elderly people in the United States will grow very rapidly in the years ahead…
That represents 55.7 million people, an increase of 15.2 million (38 percent) of people 65 and above since 2010, compared with just 2 percent growth in the under-65 population. It also reflects a consistent increase in the nation’s older population since 1900, when there were 3.1 million Americans 65 and older (4 percent of the population).
The report projects a climb to roughly 80.8 million residents 65 and older by 2040, more than double the number in 2000. It also predicts a doubling of the number of even older residents by 2040, with the count of those 85 and older expected to grow from 6.7 million in 2020 to 14.4 million by 2040. In 2020, there were nearly 105,000 residents 100 or older.
When we are all old and gray, we will be depending on the next generation to be the leaders of tomorrow.
But thanks to our failures, the next generation is going to be incredibly messed up.
Our society is being “fundamentally transformed” right in front of our eyes, and that is really bad news for all of us.
***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***
About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com. In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned) When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends. Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.
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Article cross-posted from End of the American Dream.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.
Replacing child education that used to expose little brains to learning how to think, solve problems, and have fun with other kids with today’s felonious sexual exploitation and racist division is so unnatural it breaks their soul..
It is just to eliminate Teacher’s Unions, privatize all schools, and strip federal funding of college loans, then base teacher pay on student performance and put in prison any sexual exploitation of a minor.
Processed foods. ELIMINATE them from the diet as much as possible. It’s challenging, because the cook is going to have to start actually cooking again. One of the first things to go should be artificial sweeteners. NONE of them are healthy. The word “artificial” is your clue when trying to discern if a food is healthy. Artificial sweeteners, artificial food coloring, artificial preservatives. That’s only the beginning. I wish somebody would do a six month study on diet in young people.
Group A – Eat as normal
Group B – Eat all freshly made foods 100% from scratch with no packet seasoning, nothing out of a box or can, no prepared frozen meals, no restaurant food, no processed meats (ham, lunchmeat, sausage, canned etc.). No cheese is naturally orange or yellow. A diet of nothing but freshly prepared meats, vegetables, fruits and even dairy. Get your bread from a bakery, not a store shelf.
This goal of this study would be to prove that processed and ultra processed foods are a significant cause of health AND mental problems in children.
Being a kid used to be fun…now teachers want to turn boys into girls and girls into boys……remember when going to the restroom was easy, now kids don’t even know what restroom to use…..before DEI programs people were judged on merit and not the color of their skin, and remember when teachers actually taught History, Mathematics, English, Art, etc.,, and most teachers are deficient in those area and instead what to put a WOKE message in everything they teach……..I remember walking to school when I was 6, 7 & 8, today they’ll arrest the parents if kids that young walk to school……Even cartoons now have political messages put into them……being a kid today, isn’t as fun as it used to be…..
“have experienced cyberbullying”
we have created a generation of wusses. In my youth you faced them down. Usually with a piece of hardwood (can you say Louisville Slugger?) or pipe.