Youth hospital visits for suicidal thoughts increased 59% since 2016
According to a study published in Pediatrics journal, the number of youth (those aged 5 to 19) who have gone to the hospital because of suicidal thoughts increased 59% between 2016 and 2021, the Daily Wire reports. The study came to this conclusion after studying the hospital ER records for two Illinois hospitals, Northwestern University and Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital. The study found that children as young as five were talking about suicide. The study also noted that children were struggling with other mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Though the study was limited to Illinois, the chief operating officer at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California, Dr. Nicholas Holmes, said that they have noticed similar increases. Nine years ago, they had between one and two children coming to the hospital on a daily basis because of behavioral problems. Today, they are averaging over 20. READ: Study: Youth Hospital Visits For Suicidal Thoughts Rose 59% Since 2016