North Yorkshire parents urged to seek support for children struggling with their mental health
It's as new data show the numbers admitted for emergency treatment has soared
There has been a dramatic rise in the number of children being referred for emergency mental health treatment.
Data analysed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows a 53% rise in referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) crisis teams in England.
The college said many of these under-18s have suffered worsening mental health while on NHS waiting lists for treatment.
There were 32,521 referrals to CAMHS crisis teams in 2022/23, up from 21,242 in 2019/20.
Dr Elaine Lockhart, chairwoman of the college's child and adolescent faculty, said: "It's unacceptable that so many children and young people are reaching crisis point before they are able to access care. We cannot allow this to become the new norm.
"Severe mental illness is not just an adult problem. The need for specialist mental health services for children and young people is growing all the time.
"The evidence shows us that children who receive support quickly are less likely to develop long-term conditions that negatively affect their education, social development and health in later life.
"Don't stick your head in the sand"
Pat Sowa is the director of Starfish mental well being and education. She visits schools across North Yorkshire to deliver mental health sessions: "Because I lost my son to suicide I really passionate about getting to young people before they get to crisis point, starting to get access to help whether it's through schools or GPs on the NHS so we can avoid the crisis."
"I speak to parents every week who are worried about their young people and the most common thing I say to them is don't stick your head in the sand if you are worried, get some support and go to people like the GP or A&E."
"It's the hardest thing to pick the phone up and just say I'm really worried about my child because as a parent no body wants to imagine their child feeling that despair but the minute you go for some help you have started the process of recovery."
Places to get help
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org
Mind - 0300 123 3393 -https://www.mind.org.uk