Psych/ Anxiety

[Farawyn]

There seems to be a dramatic increase in anxiety, psych, depression, panic.

I am in a school grades 7-12. I don't remember this as much last year (probably because I was so much more anxious as a new SN!)

Is anyone else seeing an upswing?

I am lucky to share my office with a great SW.

How do you all handle anxiety so disruptive it is making kids physically and visibly sick?

[SnowyJ, RN]

Oh, Farawyn...That poor kid. It breaks my heart!! So glad he trusted you. You must be exhausted.

[Tina, RN]

I responded to 2 panic attacks today.

[Farawyn]

I responded to 2 panic attacks today.

Ugh. I'm sorry.

That sucks.

[canigraduate]

I can't imaging having to navigate the US as a teen now. It was hard enough before social media. I hate that kids have such a hard time these days. And the people who care for them.

I am so sorry, Farawyn.

**hugs**

[Farawyn]

I can't imaging having to navigate the US as a teen now. It was hard enough before social media. I hate that kids have such a hard time these days. And the people who care for them.

I am so sorry, Farawyn.

**hugs**

Thanks. We all go through it on some level, right? I have for years. But now my patients are not patients and they are so broken.

Ugh.

Again, to the experienced high school nurses here (all SN, but especially the HS) I give you all so much credit. You are my role models.

[ohiobobcat]

Hugs to both of you, Tina and Farawyn.

As a nurse AND a mom of a high school student who has dealt with some major psych issues in the past few years, those parents appreciate that their son came to YOU and you started him down the path to get him the help he desperately needs at this point. My heart breaks for this child and his parents/family, because I know what they are going through. But I am also hopeful for them, because he's still here, and he asked for help.

It seems to be happening in younger and younger kids, too. One of the elementary school nurses in my district says she has some 1st and 2nd graders with diagnosed anxiety.

[Farawyn]

Hugs to both of you, Tina and Farawyn.

As a nurse AND a mom of a high school student who has dealt with some major psych issues in the past few years, those parents appreciate that their son came to YOU and you started him down the path to get him the help he desperately needs at this point. My heart breaks for this child and his parents/family, because I know what they are going through. But I am also hopeful for them, because he's still here, and he asked for help.

It seems to be happening in younger and younger kids, too. One of the elementary school nurses in my district says she has some 1st and 2nd graders with diagnosed anxiety.

He's in a Peds Psych Hospital right now, hopefully will be alright.

Thank you again for being here. I know I like to joke and play, but I am so grateful for the SN board.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

When I was preparing to start this school nurse gig after 26 years in acute care, I was shocked to see the 10% figure with childhood anxiety. No problem, I thought, we have a LCSW on staff. I was sent all the anxiety kids, and my prior go to was to call for Ativan. Now, 5 months later, I am much more adept at talking them down. It saddens me that most of these kids are products of parenting. Their parents are stressful to deal with. Some kids are allowed "breaks", where they may leave class when things become too stressful. What? How are we preparing children to cope in the real world, oh that's right, that isn't even the same. I feel sorry for my kid's generation.

[kidzcare]

I've had to call an ambulance for a teacher having a panic attack once. No fun! Her O2 was in the 60s and she was basically panting.

So scary on the suicidal student! I can't imagine! Big hugs to you!! I hope this student gets the care they need!

[Farawyn]

When I was preparing to start this school nurse gig after 26 years in acute care, I was shocked to see the 10% figure with childhood anxiety. No problem, I thought, we have a LCSW on staff. I was sent all the anxiety kids, and my prior go to was to call for Ativan. Now, 5 months later, I am much more adept at talking them down. It saddens me that most of these kids are products of parenting. Their parents are stressful to deal with. Some kids are allowed "breaks", where they may leave class when things become too stressful. What? How are we preparing children to cope in the real world, oh that's right, that isn't even the same. I feel sorry for my kid's generation.

I feel sorry for them too. This kids' parents were concerned and loving from what we saw. Sometimes kids are just depressed and it has nothing to do with the environment.

I don't know.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i spoke to one of my eighth graders who wasn't feeling great the other day and asked her what was going on. She smiled and said "soccer" This girl is OVERBOOKED. playing on 2 soccer teams (an hour and a half to 2 hours of practice 3-4 days a week PER team) , refereeing on her off days, taking CCD every other Monday and somewhere in there she's got to fit in homework, studying, eating meals and sleep - oh and if there's time maybe some free time to be a kid. No wonder why these kids are fried. And I've already talked to her about speaking with her parents about cutting back on the extra-curriculars - but her mom is the head soccer coach and that seems out of the question.

[Jules A, MSN]

I feel sorry for them too. This kids' parents were concerned and loving from what we saw. Sometimes kids are just depressed and it has nothing to do with the environment.

I don't know.

Keep in mind that although not ideal you can always EP a patient in danger in the event the parents are not willing to follow through with a voluntary trip to the ED for evaluation.