Kids in crisis: Mental health care for children rises with pandemic

SALT LAKE CITY — Mental health experts say the pandemic has caused a rise in anxiety and depression, creating a generation of kids in crisis.

In addition to all of the other problems caused by the pandemic, the CDC reports mental health care at emergency rooms for children ages 5 to 11 was up 24 percent.

One family with a teen in crisis said another problem is that it’s difficult to find counselors who are taking new patients or facilities with open rooms for patients.

Read more about kids in crisis from KSL TV here. 

---

Kids in Crisis

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can call the suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-TALK and speak to a Licensed Clinician or visit liveonutah.org.

The SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line is a statewide service that provides real-time crisis intervention to youth through live chat and a confidential tip program – right from your smartphone. Find out more here.

Related:

• Recognizing signs of depression, suicidal thoughts in teens
• Mental health issues are on the rise during pandemic
• UDOH Report: No increase in suicides or overdoses during pandemic
• Proposed bill would allow students to take mental health days from school
• Study: Teens who spend more time in extracurricular activities, less on screens, have better mental health