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9 III. UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM Stress among Youth Chronically high levels of stress, along with ineffective coping strategies, are well-known contributors to poor physical, mental, and social health. Of particular concern today is the rising prevalence of unhealthy stress among our youth. According to a recent national survey by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2014), teens now report feeling stressed at levels rivaling that of adults, and at levels far above what is believed to be healthy. Some stress, if time-limited, can be helpful for boosting mental and physical performance (Carmichael, 2009), and stress is a fact of modern life for which our youth should be prepared. However, chronically high stress levels contribute to youth suicide, depression, anxiety, violence, substance abuse, poor physical health and growth, and poorer performance on tests (Lepore et al., 1997; McEwen 1998). The increase in unhealthy stress among youth today is especially alarming in light of the growing scientific evidence showing that the brain continues to undergo critical maturation throughout adolescence into the early 20's (Giedd et al., 1999), and chronic stress can harm the developing brain in areas critical for memory formation and executive functions (e.g., decision-making, organization, impulse control), with potentially life-long implications. (Arnsten & Shansky, 2004; Evans & Schamberg, 2009; Boston, 2009). Our Youth in Lexington are At Risk The situation in Lexington is no exception, as it is for many communities with high academic standards.The three recent suicides among students in Newton (Ishkanian, 2014) and the recent suicide of a 2013 LHS graduate highlight the very real danger to our youth in Lexington of community inaction and complacency around addressing this pressing problem. According to the biennial Lexington High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey: 1. Lexington students are at risk for suicide • A full 55 LHS students reported having attempted suicide in the past 12 months, up from 51 in 2011 • The percentage of students reporting having seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months is at the highest levels in a decade (see Figure below). In 2013, about 1 in 7 (15%) students overall reported seriously considering suicide, a figure similar to the national rate (17%) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). • The factors predicting the greatest increased risk for considering suicide among LHS students include: (a) being female, in the older grades, (b) being of Asian/South Asian ethnicity, (c) reporting higher stress related to classes and planning for the future, (d) being of sexual minority, and (e) having experienced harassment at school or related to school.