So you think the pandemic is hard on you? Imagine being one of the 54% of U.S. kids 11 through 17 who have been dealing with frequent suicidal thoughts or committing self-harm in the last two weeks. You've had decades to develop coping strategies; they've just started.
The figures are from Mental Health America, which has run the survey since 2014. The organization provides a wealth of resources for those dealing with troubled teens. The link at the bottom of this post is a good place to start.
One top intervention strategy is getting kids involved in programs with other kids. "Mental health isn't always about seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist," says the director of counseling at Montclair State University in New Jersey. "Sometimes it's about becoming involved in your community. It's about making those connections, feeling that you belong."
Parents, teachers, aunts, family friends, and neighbors: Please keep an eye out for adolescents who need help.
Here's a good place to look for resources: https://mhanational.org/depression-teens-0
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mental-health-teens-covid-19-pandemic/
Illustration: "Broken Heart Grunge" by Free Grunge Textures - www.freestock.ca is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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