As the Washington State mask mandate lifts, the change brings a big range of emotions to parents and kids. Families were already suffering from alarmingly high levels of anxiety and stress. In fact, Washington, in line with many states across the country is experiencing a crisis in children’s mental health. Here are the numbers on kids and anxiety:
82,000 Washington kids ages 12-17 struggle with anxiety and depression. Source: Source: National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMH) 2021 Washington Fact Sheet
46% of Washington adults struggle with anxiety and depression. Source: NAMH 2021 Washington Fact Sheet
More than 50% of Washington children ages 11-17 years old have thought about suicide or self-harm during the pandemic. Source: Washington Chapter of The American Academy of Pediatrics
Emergency rooms for children ages 5-17 have increased by more than 24% since the beginning of the pandemic. Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
More than 50% of visits to pediatricians are now for mental health issues. That’s twice the normal rate. Source: Washington Chapter of The American Academy of Pediatrics
Washington ranks 43rd for youth mental health access in our country. Source: Mental Health America
