Expanding mental health support for students

Expanding mental health support for students

We look forward to that, Chris. Thank you so much. Well, as kids head back to school, Georgia Crisis specialists, they are sounding the alarm about mental health. They are seeing more young people reach out through the 988 hotline, and as the Love and Live’s Joe Ripley reports, help is simply one call or text away. Elizabeth Sullivan is looking forward to her daughter. Senior year, a critical time that comes with plenty of distractions. I worry about the access to drugs, guns, violence at school. Sullivan says her daughter often struggles with her mental health, — and going back to school could trigger her
— stressors. Do we need to go to the emergency room, you know, I mean, you. Are you going to harm yourself? Dawn Peel works in the Office of Crisis Coordination at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. She says heading back to school can mark a time of transition. Approximately 84% of Georgians are aware that 98 is out there, but oftentimes I think in a crisis they don’t know what to do. Peel. students can always turn to 988, a free confidential service available 24/7 to help manage crises and prevent self-harm. Over the last year and a half, Peale says she’s noticed a trend of more younger people reaching out, and we see that as a real sign of progress, uh, that people feel comfortable using that platform. Uh, — via text and chat to reach out for assistance when they need
— it. Experts say parents and friends can also help students struggling and in need by looking out for any mood swings, irritability, or any other changes that might seem out of the ordinary. Elizabeth Sullivan calls her daughter’s situation a tenuous tightrope. She just wants her to get the life saving help she needs before senior year begins. They were there. To support and guide — and calm her down in
— DeKalb County, Joe Ripley, 11ive News. Peale says Georgia is averaging about 270,000 calls and texts and chats a year with 988. If you or a loved one is struggling, you can contact 988. You can also visit 988-Lifeline.org for help.

Georgia is averaging 270,000 calls, texts, and chats a year with 988.