Number of Children Going to ER with Suicidal Thoughts, Attempts Doubles, Study Finds

CNN

A recent analysis suggests that suicide-related emergency department visits have risen among U.S. youth. Using national data, researchers found that the number of children and teens visiting the emergency department for suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts doubled between 2007 and 2015. In that period, the average age of youth seen in the emergency department for suicidal ideation or suicide attempts was 13. More than 40 percent of visits were for children between ages 5 and 11. Experts say there are likely multiple factors associated with increased suicide risk among youth, such as academic pressure, cyberbullying, and limited access to mental health care.

Spark Extra! Read the full analysis.