Why are teen girls hurting? Future of Downtown, today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Briajsha Christian, 18, graduated from Hughes High School this spring.
Briajsha Christian, 18, graduated from Hughes High School this spring.

Hi, I’m Madeline Mitchell, education reporter for The Enquirer. My colleague Terry DeMio and I have been working closely together on several stories about kids’ mental health.

We’ve consistently heard from teens that adults aren’t listening and don't take mental health seriously enough – and it is serious. One in three teen girls in the U.S. considered suicide in 2021.

It’s time we listen to these girls. And that’s what Terry and I did over the last couple of months, through interviews and surveys. We’re grateful to two local teens in particular, Gwen Caudill and Briajsha Christian, who bravely shared their stories with us, and now, with you.

Both girls attempted suicide in 2022. Both credit their survival to peers and family members who noticed the signs in time. And now both girls have advice for other teens searching for the tools to crawl out of the darkness.

We hope you'll listen to these girls and – with their insight – find a way to listen to the girls in your own life who might be hurting, too. Read their stories here.

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What else you need to know Thursday, June 1

☀️ Weather: High of 89. Mostly sunny and very warm.

🏢 Downtown Cincinnati: The Enquirer wants your ideas for our 'Future of Downtown' project.

🌉 Bridge Forward: An accountant-turned-activist is changing Greater Cincinnati's new bridge.

⚾ Reds: David Bell discusses Jonathan India's position, importance.

🎵 Today in History: On June 1, 1967, the Beatles released their seminal album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Before you go: 📷 Photo of the (sunny) day

The splash pad at Gorman Park in Sharonville opened last summer and has become a go-to place for many families.
The splash pad at Gorman Park in Sharonville opened last summer and has become a go-to place for many families.

Summer is unofficially here, which means it's time to find ways to stay cool. The splash pad at Gorman Park in Sharonville opened last summer and has become a go-to place for many families and kids, like the two in the photo above.

Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s this week, so check out our list of local water parks here. And as always, cannonball responsibly.

– 📰 Your new favorite thing is like the newspaper – only paperless 📰 –

Today's Top Headlines

Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer (7) crosses home plate and celebrates with Kevin Newman (28) after his two-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Boston. At right is Red Sox catcher Connor Wong.
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer (7) crosses home plate and celebrates with Kevin Newman (28) after his two-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Boston. At right is Red Sox catcher Connor Wong.

• Spencer Steer powers the Reds to a win over the Red Sox

The scene of a quadruple shooting in Over-the-Rhine Wednesday evening, May 31.
The scene of a quadruple shooting in Over-the-Rhine Wednesday evening, May 31.

• 'It was broad daylight': Three juveniles, man shot in Over-the-Rhine, police say

May 31, 2023; New York, New York, USA; FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta (10) celebrates his goal against New York City FC with teammates during the first half at Yankee Stadium.
May 31, 2023; New York, New York, USA; FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta (10) celebrates his goal against New York City FC with teammates during the first half at Yankee Stadium.

• FC Cincinnati beats NYCFC for the second time in May in a 3-1 victory

• Pizza topped with Skyline Chili coming for limited time

Ohioans were able to enjoy warm temperatures and sunny skies this Memorial Day, but when it came to allergies, residents appear to have fallen victim to a perfect storm.
Ohioans were able to enjoy warm temperatures and sunny skies this Memorial Day, but when it came to allergies, residents appear to have fallen victim to a perfect storm.

• Why are allergies so bad right now in Ohio? Experts blame a perfect storm

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why are teen girls hurting? Future of Downtown | Daily Briefing