LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- As the spread of the coronavirus continues, behavioral-health experts say it's as important as ever to make sure children and young people have the mental-health support they need.
In Las Vegas since the pandemic began, 19 students have died by suicide.
Taryn Hiatt, Utah/Nevada area director at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said it's critical for parents, teachers and other folks interacting with young people to educate themselves.
"Just like you would learn CPR to respond to somebody in a physical emergency or, you know, we learn the signs of stroke and heart attack, so we can be helpful," Hiatt explained. "Well, we all need to learn the signs and symptoms of a mental-health crisis."
She added those signs can range from depression and anxiety to withdrawing from activities or isolating themselves from family and friends.
Hiatt implored anyone who may be struggling or having thoughts of suicide to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or the Crisis Text Line, by texting HOME to 741741.
Wendy Whitsett, clinical practice coordinator for Health Plan of Nevada's Behavioral Healthcare Options, noted children are facing many of the same uncertainties adults are.
"Our new normal is not being able to play with their friends in the same ways, isolation and loneliness," Whitsett outlined. "Children use their peer groups, they play, just like we have our friends that we talk to."
Hiatt highlighted the importance of taking signs of mental-health crisis seriously, especially with children and teens. She pointed out the teenage brain is not fully formed yet, and young people often can act more impulsively.
"That's why it is even more risky for them to be in crisis," Hiatt cautioned. "Because they don't know with life experience that this thing that seems like it will never change is going to get better."
She recommends the my3 suicide-prevention app for anyone, not just people who've already made an attempt.
It poses questions such as who can you call, what can you do to distract yourself, and where is a safe space you can go, to be prepared with some strategies for coping if you do find yourself in crisis.
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Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care.
Dr. Nadia Haddad, medical director of mental health services with Mental Health Partners, said all too often, people can't get help unless they are already connected with an outpatient provider, and many have months-long waiting lists. She said if people have to wait for care, their situation can get worse, and what might have been a manageable issue can turn into a crisis.
"They are going to the emergency room or going to a psychiatric hospital. And so what we're trying to do is fill that gap so that people can get connected with services when they need it, on a walk-in basis," she said.
Mental Health Partners, a community mental health center serving Boulder and Broomfield counties for 60 years, recently launched UrgentPsych Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care. The walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. For more information about the 24-hour facility in northeast Boulder, call 303-443-8500.
Mental Health Partners' new Intensive Family Services program provides in-home therapy for K through 12 youth with disruptive behaviors who are at risk of being placed in foster care or the juvenile justice system. The urgent care facility is also available to people of all ages.
"That's another really challenging part of seeking out services. Care for children and adolescents is often even more challenging to find. There are fewer child psychiatrists out there," she said.
Both new programs were created in part to get people the services they need to avoid hospitalization. But Haddad said when people do reach a point where they need 24/7 monitoring and daily visits from a medical provider, it is essential that people can access hospital-level care.
"The vast majority of people who are dealing with mental health-related issues do not require hospitalization. If we can change people's trajectories earlier, we can prevent mental suffering, and they may not have to go through the hospital," she explained.
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This is National Library Week, honoring the many roles that libraries play in their communities.
In central Texas, a pilot program is using the public library system to expand mental health services in rural areas.
Residents in four counties can get assistance at their local public library through the Libraries for Health program.
Trained mental health peer specialists evaluate clients and refer them to clinics for additional help if it's needed.
The program is funded through the St. David's Foundation, working to advance health equity in Central Texas.
The foundation's Senior Program Officer Abena Asante said the initiative works in tandem with the mental health community.
"It's in no way taking the place of clinical-directed psychologists," said Asante. "It's just one community response in addressing the lack of mental wellness resources in rural communities."
Asante said libraries are trusted and accessible gathering places for people living in rural areas. The libraries tailor programs to meet specific local needs based on feedback from the residents.
Data collected during the 3.5-year pilot program will be used to evaluate its success. The nonprofit Via Hope trains the peer specialists who work in the libraries.
Dr. Sandra Smith, vice president of Via Hope, said the staffers use their own life experiences to help them relate to the clients.
"They have to have had a mental health challenge at some point in their life," said Smith. "We don't ask them any specifics about that, we don't ask diagnoses - it's a self-disclosure."
The Libraries for Health program operates in eight libraries in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson counties. If successful, it could be implemented in other parts of the state.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. Rates are much higher than a decade ago and support organizations hope Wisconsin communities do more to make individuals feel welcome, including adults on the spectrum.
April is Autism Acceptance Month. Not only do advocates want to empower those with a diagnosis to live their fullest possible lives but they also ask those around them to learn more about it.
Katie Hess, executive director of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin, said there are some key practices to keep in mind.
"Really, what we're looking for is for people just to be open-minded and patient, and understanding," Hess explained.
Acceptance does not happen only at home or school. Workplaces also are encouraged to foster more inclusiveness, with nearly 60% of people with autism now employed after receiving vocational services. Their advocates said they have many strengths and asking them about their needs creates a better environment for them.
Symptoms of autism can vary widely for each person on the spectrum, including how they interact with others. Hess noted whether individuals are considered "high need" or "low need," having the public pay more attention to the evolution of this disorder is vital.
"We're learning new information all the time, so certainly reach out to your local chapter, your Autism Society," Hess urged. "Ask questions."
Her chapter will soon begin offering a training program to organizations about how to become more autism friendly, including being able to identify a person on the autism spectrum and how to best offer ways to help if they disclose their diagnosis.
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