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?

[Farawyn]

Oh Far...that just is awful...hugs to you...and her.....

Another one today. 14 year old. Last night took pills, cut. In hospital. Gonna be okay. UGH.

[WellThatsOod]

Oh my goodness

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Another one today. 14 year old. Last night took pills, cut. In hospital. Gonna be okay. UGH.

:::::huge hugs:::::

Farawyn, not that it helps by WBUR did have a story in March of this year on the increase in teen suicides possibly due to the increase in the pressure to succeed for teens.

Link: With Pressure To Succeed, High School Suicides Rise | On Point with Tom Ashbrook

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Jeeze Farawyn, - I'm sorry to hear - that's a lot of stress to soak up. We're here for you.

[kidzcare]

My heart hurts for these kids. So very sad.

[Farawyn]

First kid I mentioned last week is back in school. Seems to be doing okay, but after the initial crisis I'm not always privy to the aftermath.

The second kid, the antihistamine OD? He made another attempt. Went to ED, now in Psych Facility.

[SnowyJ, RN]

This breaks my heart!

[ohiobobcat]

That is a lot of lethal attempts in a short amount of time at your school, Far. {{Hugs}}

I have no other words....

[Farawyn]

I think it's more like this than we all think. I'm in a very small school, so we have more access to it.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Does it come in waves like this? I remember reading once about Suicide Epidemic- is it "catching" like Teen Pregnancies?

This has been unreal. This whole year has been huge Suicide Crisis Hotline. And legit stuff. There's other stuff, too, like Drama and social media stuff, but the legit sick kids who want to die has been crazy.

I NEED some kids to come in for some ICE or BANDAIDS or some freaking SALTINES!!!

I believe that schools are at risk for 18 months after a suicide for another to happen and then statistically it seems to lessen..... Have there been any proactive programs? we have partnered with NAMI at our state level and they have done some gatekeeper training for kids. Has been pretty effective.

It is REALLY hard to sift between the real and imagined stuff....heartbreaking.

Take good care of yourself too!

[Farawyn]

I believe that schools are at risk for 18 months after a suicide for another to happen and then statistically it seems to lessen..... Have there been any proactive programs? we have partnered with NAMI at our state level and they have done some gatekeeper training for kids. Has been pretty effective.

It is REALLY hard to sift between the real and imagined stuff....heartbreaking.

Take good care of yourself too!

TONS of programs. We have a strong SADD. We have assemblies. We have a really strong GSA. very active, involved psych and guidance. Non sports and sports. Community service...

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

TONS of programs. We have a strong SADD. We have assemblies. We have a really strong GSA. very active, involved psych and guidance. Non sports and sports. Community service...

::hugs:: Farawyn! We have those programs, too. I think even those programs cannot ease the all of the stress and pressure that exists for teens. You could not pay me enough money to be a middle school or high school student today.

We try our very best. I'm glad you are there for these students, Farawyn.