SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Experts say Savannah, like many places across the country, is seeing a common trend.
“Younger folks with more severe mental health symptoms. Younger and younger kids with suicidal thoughts and self-harm,” said Mary Jo Horton, Behavioral Health manger, Memorial Hospital.
Mary Jo Horton is the Behavioral Health manager at Memorial.
She says this trend, in part, is likely due to the rise in social media.
“The fact that we are comparing ourselves to others, particularly comparing ourselves in our presence and our looks,” said Horton.
Kimberly McGuire is the director of counseling services for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System.
She says while many adults realize social media is often the highlight reel of someone’s life, and not an accurate account of everything they experience, children have a harder time seeing that.
“They aren’t always able to separate reality from what’s a bit embellished,” said Kimberly McGuire, Director of Counseling Services, SCCPSS.
She says another common thing she sees students struggling with is anxiety, especially after major life changes coming from the pandemic.
“That uncertainty about what’s going to happen, who they can trust, who they can rely on, who they can depend on,” said McGuire.
For parents, she says the best thing you can do is simply be there for your child.
“Let the child know that ‘I’m here, I’m available for you to talk to me, no matter what the concern is,” said McGuire.
Horton says while your child may seem annoyed, it’s important to make sure you’re checking in on them.
“I always remind parents that the first time you hear ‘I hate you,’ you’re probably doing something right,” said Horton.
“Give yourself a break, give yourself permission to be the parent that’s annoying. You’re doing a good job.”
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