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Statistics from one of Canada’s biggest children’s hospitals should be alarming for anyone who has lived through the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the stats, conflicts at home along with increased isolation have led to the tripling of youth suicide attempts during the lockdowns.

McMaster Children’s Hospital issued a press release earlier this month that said as much:

“Youth admitted for medical support after a suicide attempt has tripled over a four-month period, compared to last year. Patients are staying in hospital longer due to more serious attempts. A large number of these youth have reported COVID-related issues such as lack of social interaction, increased conflict at home, and the inability to rely on friends as main contributors.”

From Oct. 1, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021, 26 children needed care after they were admitted to the hospital following an attempted suicide. During the same four-month time period from the previous year, there were seven kids admitted to the hospital for suicide attempts.

In addition, the hospital states youth admitted with substance use disorders had doubled and there has been an increase in the use of potentially deadly opioids.

Paul Agar, the hospital clinical manager, said the 90 percent increase in kids admitted due to eating disorders is “unprecedented.”

Author: Jacob Hall

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