NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Children are in crisis.
The number of children presenting to emergency departments with anxiety and depression is skyrocketing. Virginia Hospital Medical Association Statewide numbers are reported to be above pre-pandemic levels.
Psychiatrist Dr. John Fanton CHKDsaid the numbers were staggering.
The number of emergency department visits requiring mental health consultations at Norfolk Hospital has nearly tripled since 2018, from 972 to 2,895 in 2023.
“In the majority of cases, the person actually harmed themselves or attempted to harm themselves, or took action to end their own life, or attempted to end their own life.” Fanton said.
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 2. 14 All over the country. Many mental health experts blame social media.
One study Children and teens who spend more than three hours a day on these platforms have been shown to be at increased risk of developing anxiety and depression.another investigation It has been revealed that more than half of teenagers spend nearly five hours a day on social media.
Parents are urged to limit screen time and create a safe space for their children at home.
“Being able to validate your child’s emotions is the most powerful thing a parent can do,” Fanton says.
He said parents should let their children voice their concerns and then reassure them that you are there and love them.
In 2022, CHKD opened a free-standing mental health hospital to meet growing needs. The hospital is now nearing its goal of 60 inpatient beds, expanding some of the hospital’s capacity to include not only teenagers but also preschoolers.
“There are synergies and we are working hard to meet the needs, but [we] I still get overwhelmed sometimes,” Fanton said.
It’s a race to find more health care providers, new treatments, and the reasons behind the suffering of so many children.
