“Often times those that lack the resources,” said Dr. Elliott. “Pittsburgh Public Schools, Penn Hills, Clairton, McKeesport, all the schools in the Mon Valley.”
“Pretty much since 2013 to 2014, there’s been a steady increase in major depressive episodes, clinically significant depression with high impairment in functioning: not being able to function as a student, as a friend, take care of oneself within the family,” said Dr. Albano.
“And we know bullying and cyberbullying has been a huge contributor to mental health, especially in girls, plummeting like we saw on that chart,” she stated.
KDKA’s Meghan Schiller asked Dr. Elliott, “What should parents look out for?”
“Any change in their normal routine, excessive sleeping, or not getting enough sleep, excessive eating or not eating enough,” said Dr. Elliott.
If you need assistance, call the new Caring Connections for Youth hotline by dialing 211 and choosing option three.
“We just created a new hotline called Caring Connections for Youth where parents, teachers, administrators, and police can call in and get resources for their young people, and that’s a start,” said Elliott.
