By Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com

DURHAM, N.C. — #Pandemic fueled #anxiety, #selfharm and #suicide are now increasing among #American #children and #teens. The #AmericanAcademyofPediatrics has declared it a national emergency.

Before the #pandemic in 2019, many #children and #adolescents were already at higher risk of #suicide, according to Duke Health #child and #adolescent #psychiatrist Nathan Copeland.

"More #kids killed themselves in 2019 than at any point in #American history," Copeland said Wednesday during an online webinar with a group of other #psychiatric experts.

The experts said since 2019, the risk of #suicide among #youth has grown dramatically.

There's been a "15-fold increase of #children and young #adults coming to our hospital because of such serious #suicideattempts," said Gary Maslow, #child and #adolescent #psychiatrist.

Get Help: County-by-county guide to #mentalhealth and crisis resources in NC

The panel says the causes are many, including #students spending more than a year in virtual learning during the #pandemic.

#Behavioralhealth analyst Sherika Hill said that the #pandemic has exacerbated one's feeling of #isolation and #loneliness.

She said other issues like peer #bullying have been a big factor, as well as #children dealing with social drivers of health, #racism and bias.

"One of the most common things we see is increased irritability and increased anger," Maslow said. Once a problem is recognized, he recommends turning to your #pediatrician or primary care #doctor.

#James Donaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,

#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:

From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

#Suicidepreventionresources

Hope-4-NC Helpline: Call 1-855-587-3463 or text "Hope" to that number anytime

#NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit Lifeline Chat for additional resources or to connect with a counselor via web chat

HopeLine: Call 919-231-4525 or 877-235-4525 anytime or text either number 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends

#NAMI North Carolina: Text #NAMI to 741-741 anytime

Wellness Action Recovery

"They can speak with you as a #parent about the child’s needs. They can talk about beginning an assessment," he said.

Copland stressed the importance of starting a conversation with your #child, even if it may feel uncomfortable.

"Being able to say, 'OK, I’m uncomfortable asking this question, but I need to.' Fortunately, #kids are pretty resilient people, and with support and the way in which we can, as a community, as a system, support them, there is lots of opportunity there," he said.

Copeland said 20% of #kids will experience #mentalillness, however, tragic outcomes can be avoided with early recognition of problems and seeking professional help.

Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com
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