Number of children suffering from mental health illnesses continue to rise [Video]

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Officials with Canopy Children’s Solutions say that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in the number of children dealing with some form of mental illness.

According to Shae Hutchins with Canopy, there has been a significant increase in the number of emergency room visits for a mental health episode.

Teenaged girls specifically going to the hospital for self-harm have jumped 50 percent since the pandemic.

However, from 2020 to 2024, Hutchins says the stigma around mental health has decreased.

Children are more open to starting counseling conversations. However, Hutchins says adults must recognize the need for counseling early.

“Children that we’ve talked to just in your schools are much more likely to talk about mental health… going to see a counselor, just as an everyday thing, just like going to the doctor or going to the dentist,” Hutchins said. “It’s not a …