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MILWAUKEE—UW Health announced a significant increase in suicide-related emergency visits for children and teens on Thursday after new data showed more children were dealing with mental health issues across Wisconsin on Thursday. We have confirmed that we are dealing with the increase.
“It’s really hard to know [what’s behind this]Especially with the fact that when a lot of kids come to us, they’re resourceful and their parents are resourceful about how to help them,” said Dr. Allie Hurst. I am the Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UW Health Kids. “I think a lot of it is based not only on the impact of the pandemic isolating many children, but also on social media itself and the isolating effect it has.”
In 2012, pediatric emergency departments were assisting an average of 15 patients requiring psychiatric care per month, according to UW Health data. Just 10 years later, last year, UW Health said in a statement that 40 pediatric patients were visiting emergency departments each month requiring psychiatric care, and that “suicidal ideation, drug or alcohol intoxication, or cases of overdose were has increased the most,” he said. .
Hirst said turning a trend around can start with something as simple as a conversation.
“I encourage you to talk to your children and make sure you are a part of their lives,” Hirst said. am.”
For those dealing with suicidal ideation, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has people who can help 24/7 by dialing 9-8-8.
Watch the full interview above.
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