Youth suicide is a growing problem in North Carolina and across the United States. In 2021, 1,412 people died by suicide in North Carolina, including 104 youth aged 10 to 19. According to North Carolina Health News, this makes suicide the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 14 in the state.
Nationally, suicide rates among young people have also increased. Between 2007 and 2021, suicide deaths among individuals aged 10 to 24 rose by 62%, as reported by Yale Medicine.
Mental Health Challenges Among Youth
Many young people are facing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. In North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute more than one in ten children aged 3 to 17 had a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in 2020 — a 49% increase since 2016.
National surveys from America’s Health Rankings show that in 2021, 22% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 10% actually attempted it.
Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention
To address this crisis, North Carolina has taken steps to improve mental health services for young people. The SECU Youth Crisis Center, a Monarch program, was the first of its kind in the state, offers inpatient services for children and teens aged 6 to 17 experiencing a mental health crisis. Since its opening in 2018, the center has served more than 1,600 young people, providing timely, age-appropriate care during crises.
Early treatment of mental health issues is crucial. Programs like the SECU Youth Crisis Center focus on stabilizing young people during acute psychiatric episodes and creating discharge plans that involve families and community support. This approach aims to maintain safety, stability, and structure for youth in the least restrictive setting possible.
Community partnerships with schools and social services are also essential. These collaborations work to create environments that understand the impact of anxiety and depression on learning and provide evidence-based support for young people.
Finding Mental Health Support for Kids and Families
For families struggling to find mental health support for their children, help is available. Monarch provides virtual mental health services across North Carolina, making mental health support available when and where families need it. Monarch also has 16 behavioral health outpatient centers across North Carolina, providing on-site options for treatment. Same day connection to services is available through Monarch’s Open Access program for therapy and treatment. Call (866) 272-7826.
For children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis, information on the SECU YCC, a Monarch program, located in Charlotte, is available here.
The rise in youth suicide rates and mental health challenges in North Carolina and the nation is alarming. However, through increased awareness, early intervention and comprehensive support systems, there is hope for reversing these trends and ensuring the well-being of our youth.
Call (866) 272-7826 for information on all of Monarch’s mental health services for children and adults.