Guest: Dr. Kimberly Nordstrom Chief Medical Officer Rocky Mountain Health Plans

Over the last decade, there has been a decline in adolescent in emotional and cognitive health with increased rates of mental health challenges.  This could be due to the rise in social media, the pandemic, climate change, school shootings and other factors.  Missed celebrations during the pandemic has also had a big impact.  Around 70% of teens believe that anxiety and depression are a major problem among peers.  Out of those diagnosed with a mental health disorder 75% will have had their first episode but the age of 24.  Suicide is the third leading cause of death in college students.  In 2021 in Colorado 182 youth between the ages 15-24 died by suicide.  For parents, even if you do not think you see anything just ask your child how they are doing or what is going on with them at school.