Chicago girls are two to three times more depressed and anxious than girls nationwide, and 40% are shouldering adult responsibilities, including financial, at a time critical to development said C3EN Pilot Awardee Melissa Gutierrez-Kapheim, Director of Health Equity and Assessment Research at Sinai Chicago on WBEZ’s Morning Rundown on March 19, 2025. 

A press release shared by the Mt Sinai Urban Health Institute the same day shared the findings of a study in partnership with CME Group Foundation and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation called “EMPOWER YOUR VOICE: Research Findings on the Mental Well-being of Chicago Girls.” This study of 900 girls revealed troubling trends in mental health, trauma exposure, and the impact of social media on adolescent girls.

Key findings include

• Mental Well-being Concerns: Chicago girls report a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and loneliness symptoms, exceeding national averages. These challenges disproportionately affect Black and Latine girls, who are at an increased risk for experiencing multiple stressors that negatively affect mental well-being.
• Social Media’s Dual Impact: social media has positive and negative effects on adolescent girls. It can create opportunities for connection and self-expression while simultaneously contributing to unhealthy coping behaviors and lower self-esteem.
• Trauma and Violence Exposure: Black and Latine girls in Chicago experience disproportionate exposure to trauma and violence, with many navigating these experiences without appropriate access to culturally responsive mental health resources.
• Parentification Effects: Black and Latine girls disproportionately assume adult roles and responsibilities which are associated with heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges, including increased risk for anxiety.

The findings will help guide the Coalition for Urban Girls in the creation of a “Quality of Life Plan” for girls in Chicago. This plan will involve collaboration between schools, healthcare organizations, and the community to improve support for young women. The report is a call to action for everyone to help young women feel safe, supported, and connected. 

“This groundbreaking research sheds new light on the mental health challenges, trauma experiences, and resilience factors among girls in Chicago. The study provides critical insights that can inform program development and resource allocation for organizations serving young women across our city,” said Gutierrez-Kapheim.

Read the full report HERE.