Depression and suicidal thoughts are increasing in Kansas students, according to a recent statewide survey of sixth through 12th graders. Mental health experts talk about the role of the pandemic and the warning signs parents need to know.”In 2020, we saw an increase in crisis calls,” said Erin Ross, a team leader with Children and Family Services at the Johnson County Mental Health Center. The pandemic has heightened mental health concerns and a new survey in Kansas shows students are suffering, too. “We have definitely seen students who are struggling with not being able to see their friends as much,” Ross said. The statewide survey from Kansas Communities that Care included 71,000 students in grades six through 12. It shows 38%, or nearly two in five students, reported feeling depressed in the last year. That’s up 5% from the year before. “I feel like there’s lots of pressures with school and especially this year since school has been so different,” Ross said. She said that there’s no doubt remote learning and isolation have played a role. “If that’s not a good learning modality for somebody, that’s only going to exacerbate the depression or anxiety that they might be experiencing already,” she said. “It’s no doubt that this year’s survey was impacted by the pandemic,” said Rachel Phillips, a project manager with Greenbush Education Services, which administered the survey. Phillips said talking about mental health is also becoming more accepted and encouraged.”Students have also gained an increased ability to identify their emotions as efforts continue in education to develop social and emotional learning, and normalizing conversations around mental health,” Phillips said. The survey also showed a slight increase in students who say they’ve considered taking their own life. 10,000 students said they seriously thought about committing suicide and 2,600 said they attempted it, including nearly 300 11-year-olds. “That is shocking to people that children that young are really struggling so much,” Ross said. “At that age, you know, the kids might not totally understand or be able to verbalize what they are feeling and experiencing.””I think that number is really concerning,” said Phillips. “I think the important thing that we take away from that is when we look at younger students, I think this data tells us yes, it’s important to act now and give students information and help them find access to the support that they need.”Ross said that it’s important for parents to know the warning signs. “They’re isolating from everyone and they’re not engaging in things that they used to enjoy,” she said. “Also, any changes in sleeping patterns or eating, irritability.”She said the first step that parents should take to help is communication. “Try to have a conversation with them, like, ‘I’ve noticed that you are not doing this as much and used to love that. Can you help me understand what might be going on? How are you feeling?'” Ross said. “Just trying to start that conversation to hopefully help them feel comfortable in talking with you.”If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call the national mental health crisis line at 800-273-talk (8255). For more mental health resources, click here.
Depression and suicidal thoughts are increasing in Kansas students, according to a recent statewide survey of sixth through 12th graders.
Mental health experts talk about the role of the pandemic and the warning signs parents need to know.
“In 2020, we saw an increase in crisis calls,” said Erin Ross, a team leader with Children and Family Services at the Johnson County Mental Health Center.
The pandemic has heightened mental health concerns and a new survey in Kansas shows students are suffering, too.
“We have definitely seen students who are struggling with not being able to see their friends as much,” Ross said.
The statewide survey from Kansas Communities that Care included 71,000 students in grades six through 12. It shows 38%, or nearly two in five students, reported feeling depressed in the last year. That’s up 5% from the year before.
“I feel like there’s lots of pressures with school and especially this year since school has been so different,” Ross said.
She said that there’s no doubt remote learning and isolation have played a role.
“If that’s not a good learning modality for somebody, that’s only going to exacerbate the depression or anxiety that they might be experiencing already,” she said.
“It’s no doubt that this year’s survey was impacted by the pandemic,” said Rachel Phillips, a project manager with Greenbush Education Services, which administered the survey.
Phillips said talking about mental health is also becoming more accepted and encouraged.
“Students have also gained an increased ability to identify their emotions as efforts continue in education to develop social and emotional learning, and normalizing conversations around mental health,” Phillips said.
The survey also showed a slight increase in students who say they’ve considered taking their own life. 10,000 students said they seriously thought about committing suicide and 2,600 said they attempted it, including nearly 300 11-year-olds.
“That is shocking to people that children that young are really struggling so much,” Ross said. “At that age, you know, the kids might not totally understand or be able to verbalize what they are feeling and experiencing.”
“I think that number is really concerning,” said Phillips. “I think the important thing that we take away from that is when we look at younger students, I think this data tells us yes, it’s important to act now and give students information and help them find access to the support that they need.”
Ross said that it’s important for parents to know the warning signs.
“They’re isolating from everyone and they’re not engaging in things that they used to enjoy,” she said. “Also, any changes in sleeping patterns or eating, irritability.”
She said the first step that parents should take to help is communication.
“Try to have a conversation with them, like, ‘I’ve noticed that you are not doing this as much and used to love that. Can you help me understand what might be going on? How are you feeling?'” Ross said. “Just trying to start that conversation to hopefully help them feel comfortable in talking with you.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call the national mental health crisis line at 800-273-talk (8255). For more mental health resources, click here.