Shocking Rise in Suicidal Youth Nationwide;
A Trend Here, Too
A recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics has revealed a disturbing increase in the number of children presenting to emergency rooms with suicidal ideation; unfortunately, Jackson Hole is no exception.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2022 — JACKSON HOLE, WY
A recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics has revealed a disturbing increase in the number of children presenting to emergency rooms with suicidal ideation; unfortunately, Jackson Hole is no exception.
In 2020, nearly one-quarter of all deaths of children between the ages of 5 and 19 were due to an entirely preventable cause: suicide. A recent study published in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics analyzed the number of children seen at emergency rooms for suicidal ideation between 2016 and 2021. The results are shocking: children seeking help with suicidal thoughts increased 59% from 2016- 17 to 2019-21.
There was also a corresponding increase in cases in which suicidal ideation was the primary diagnosis: a leap from 34.6% to 44.3%. Youth hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts increased 57% between the fall of 2019 and the fall of 2020.
“This data illustrates an extraordinarily disturbing trend,” says Sarah Cavallaro, Executive Director of Teton Youth & Family Services. “Over the past year, we’ve had two children as young as 9 seek our help for suicidal ideation. The overall number of youth we’ve supported through thoughts of suicide has increased drastically over the past handful of years.” As an example, in one of Teton Youth & Family Services’ recent programs, all 17 youth in that program (100% of attendees!) had the primary identifying reasons for services as self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. And from 2017 to 2021, the organization saw a 185% increase in demand for safe nights for actively suicidal youth.
Cavallaro notes that it’s important to realize these studies observe this startling uptick in mental health crises prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s no question that the pandemic had a massive impact on children’s mental health, and very likely exacerbated the trend that had already begun,” she says. “That means it’s even more critical to prevent, detect, and proactively care for any mental health issues that our young people are experiencing.”
“Wyoming has the highest rate of suicides in the nation,” Cavallaro continues. “Sadly it’s not surprising to see this trend reflected across all age groups, including some of the youngest members of our community.”
A follow-up response to the paper, penned for the American Academy of Pediatrics by Dr. Lisa Horowitz and Dr. Jeffrey Bridge, observes some ways in which community members and care providers can employ upstream prevention strategies. Among other recommendations, the team advocates for well-trained and informed experts as well as around-the-clock resources to support families and keep children safe — especially in rural areas.
“It’s heartening to know that Teton Youth & Family Services is already providing these services to our community,” reflects Cavallaro. “But at the same time, it underscores that we have to ensure these resources continue to be not only available but equipped with up-to-date facilities and highly-trained staff. We’re always working towards that goal, but without community support, it’s much more difficult to get there.”
Teton Youth & Family Services operates the county’s only 24-hour emergency suicide holding facility for youth under the age of 18; a resource relied upon by community partners including law enforcement and the local hospital. “While there’s no doubt this issue is disturbing to consider, it is absolutely critical that we bring it into the light. Without truly facing this heartbreaking trend that is happening here — just as it is elsewhere across the nation — we cannot hope to protect our children and families,” concludes Cavallaro.
