If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or live chat at https://988lifeline.org/.
TEXAS — A troubling new study is putting a spotlight on a growing mental health crisis among children and teens.
Researchers found suicide-related emergency room visits among children ages 5 to 17 increased 74% between 2016 and 2022.
It’s not always easy to differentiate whether a child’s behavior is a normal part of growing up or a sign something more serious is happening. That’s why we’re sharing some specific changes you should not ignore.
A new study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine analyzed more than 5 million emergency department visits involving mental health concerns among U.S. children.
Researchers found the following:
- Pediatric mental health emergency visits increased 24%
- Suicide-related visits jumped 74%
- About 67% of suicide-related emergency visits involved girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says suicide risk is influenced by several factors including depression or other mental health conditions, substance use, hopelessness, bullying, relationship problems and social isolation. It says parents should pay particular attention to changes in their child’s normal behavior. That could mean becoming unusually withdrawn, or, in some cases, increasingly angry, impulsive or reckless.
Mental health experts agree that emphasizing strong connections with family, school staff and other trusted adults can help protect young people’s mental health. Kids often think their issue is the worst thing ever. Parents can remind them that this too shall pass and things will get better. Speak with a family doctor or a mental health professional for additional guidance.
Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
