A new study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine analyzed more than five million U.S. emergency department visits and found that pediatric mental health visits rose 24% between 2016 and 2022. The sharpest increase came in suicide-related visits for children ages 5 to 17, which jumped 74%. About two-thirds of those visits involved girls. The CDC lists depression, bullying, substance use, hopelessness, relationship problems, and social isolation among the leading risk factors for young people.

Experts say parents should watch for meaningful changes in behavior, like unusual withdrawal from friends and family, or increased anger, impulsivity, and recklessness. Those shifts don’t automatically mean a crisis, but they are worth taking seriously. Strong connections with family members, school staff, coaches, and other trusted adults are among the most protective factors for kids, and families who are concerned should reach out to a doctor or mental health professional for guidance. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text, 24 hours a day, for anyone who needs support.

If you’re raising kids in Waxahachie, this isn’t a faraway statistic. It’s a reason to check in, ask the direct questions, and know where to turn. Have you talked with your kids about mental health lately? Tell us how that conversation went.