Fresno youth suicide attempts spiked in recent days. Here’s what adults should look for
Fresno County health officials are offering tips for parents, teachers and other adults to help see signs of mental distress in young people, as the county has seen an increase in suicide attempts in recent days.
Dawan Utecht, director of Fresno County Behavioral Health, spoke Friday during a media briefing about how young people are particularly vulnerable to the numerous uncertainties residents face right now amid “disaster and crisis fatigue.”
Some of those stressors include social isolation, the continuing coronavirus pandemic, wildfires and racial unrest.
Utecht cited a Centers for Disease Control study that found young adults have experienced an increase in anxiety or depression, substance use and suicidal thoughts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Locally, we’re paying very close attention to the volume of kids we’re seeing in crisis,” she said. “We are seeing an increase in kids in crisis, particularly with an increase in suicide attempts in the last few days. That’s obviously a big concern of ours.”
She urged parents and teachers to watch for behavioral changes like outbursts, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, loss of interest in activities they typically enjoy, withdrawing and isolation.
It’s important for adults to engage in conversation with young people about mental health, Utecht said.
“Don’t be afraid to ask kids about the stress in their life. In fact, we encourage it,” she said. “What are their thoughts, their feelings? Don’t be afraid to ask them about suicide. That’s a common myth. Take those expressions seriously, and act on it. If the youth won’t talk to you, or you continue with concerns, getting help is the thing you need to do.”
Resources
September is suicide prevention and awareness month. Here are some resources in Fresno County:
Behavioral Health Disaster Fatigue Resources
www.ValleyHopeInCrisis.com or call 1-800-654-3973
Central Valley Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
741741
Fresno County Behavioral Health Access Line
California Peer-Run Warm Line
Behavioral Health Non-Emergency Warm Line
559-600-9276 (WARM)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline
This story was originally published September 19, 2020 at 5:00 AM.