A recent study from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals a 59% increase in the number of children intentionally exposed to poison between 2007 and 2021. Researchers attribute this rise to various factors, including the escalating mental health crisis among youth.
Bruce Blair, Executive Director for Mental Health America of Augusta, noted improvements in mental health resources in the area. “Through professional therapists, counselors, and prevention-based programs that organizations like Mental Health America provide, schools are now better at incorporating these into their SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) curriculum,” said Blair.
However, Blair pointed out a nationwide shortage of professional mental health providers. “When working with youth, you’re also working with their families and many other individuals,” he explained.
Blair mentioned that data collected at the start of the pandemic highlighted a mental health crisis among young people. He added that youth are increasingly open to discussing mental health issues. “We see that young people are talking to their peers first about these issues. It’s crucial to provide them with community resources and adults to help them process these conversations,” Blair stated.
Blair emphasized the importance of early prevention and having mental health conversations early on. “We know that 50% of youth who have a mental illness will experience it by the age of 14, so we must start early to equip them with the tools for success,” he said.
In conclusion, Blair stressed the need for open conversations and providing resources to families to break down barriers to mental health support. “The more we talk and provide resources, the better we can address mental health issues effectively,” he remarked.
