Mental health crises in young people double since 2018
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Tuesday, April 23, Children’s Hospital Colorado hosted a virtual town hall meeting to discuss concerns, as mental health struggles for children in our state have nearly doubled since 2018.
Children’s Hospital in Colorado is taking the lead to address the youth mental health crisis in our state. It wants parents and caregivers to understand they are not alone during a crisis.
“They might have a big test coming up, final paper coming up. ‘I got in a fight with my friend.’ The stress is there, and we need to do something about this,” said Dr. Marissa Nunes-Moreno.
With a growing concern for mental health in children and teens, Children’s hosted this year’s first town hall meeting to give parents a chance to learn about the concerning state of the mental health of young people in Colorado.
Dr. Ashely Hayduke said there are many signs and symptoms: “A wide range of things that could be physical, symptoms that can be mind-based thoughts, so that feeling of nervous, restless, tense, are all signs, people might also have that sense of impending danger, panic,” said Hayduke.
Children’s said in 2018, the rate of poor mental health among pre-teens was around eight percent and rose to 18 percent, which is what led the hospital to declare a Mental Health State of Emergency.
Doctors say anxiety is one of the biggest concerns they are seeing in children ages 11-16.
“We just got into this cycle where we start thinking through all of this and that, and it makes it really hard to actually focus on doing our homework assignments, or running our track, meeting some people as well as a result of all this, can have difficulty sleeping,” said Dr. Hayduke.
Luckily, doctors say there are ways to help if you notice someone actively having a panic attack.
“Another great option is the grounding technique. It uses your senses to bring you back to that present moment in your environment, and it helps give your brain something to focus on while the body conduct really calms itself down,” said Dr. Hayduke.
In a somber milestone, Colorado’s leading cause of death in young adults is suicide. Dr. Collette Fischer said she wants to remind parents that while it is important to help take care of your child and offer them resources, it is important for the adults to remember they are not responsible for suicide.
“I want to take the pressure off of one adult having to fix everything for one kid. I like to think of us all as protective factors in kids’ lives. But if my kid breaks their leg, I am not a medical doctor. I don’t know how to place a cast,” said Dr. Fischer.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, chat or text. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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