Mental health experts believe young people might not speak up when they are in a crisis and people who love them need to be aware about the warning signs.

Adam Andreassen, chief operating officer of Burrell Behavioral Health, during a virtual discussion titled, "Youth & Suicide: Supporting our children’s Mental Health During the Holidays," shared tips on the signals you need to look out for and when to seek help.

He said, there is never a bad time to ask how someone is doing? Around 80 percent of youth who attempted suicide gave some indication. Among youth between the age of 10 to 24 years suicide is the second leading cause of death. COVID-19 pandemic led to more mental stress facing youths in southwest Missouri.

Burrell officials shared that now children and teens are preparing for a holiday but the social activities and support systems will look quite different. So, adults should not take a “business as usual” approach.

Adults should make an extra effort to acknowledge the negative mental health effects that isolation, anxiety, and depression can have on their children.

Watch out for these signals:

Sara Wilson, system director for youth training and consultation at Burrell said that watch out for increased anxiousness, anger, sadness or aggression. Notice if emotions are getting a bit more intense.

Also, worries include feelings of hopelessness, fatigue or low energy, crying, irritation, lack of concentration or unexplained headaches.

Warning signs include acting out, avoiding activities they used to like, engaging in risky behavior and even being away from family and friends.

Mental health issues during COVID-19 pandemic:

Mental health officials report a 30 percent rise in individuals reaching out for mental health care during the pandemic.

Amy Hill, system director of school-based services mentioned that many children are experiencing mental health issues for the first time.

School-related stress has increased manifold due to the pandemic, altering schedules, access to friends, after school sports and activities. Children have to face so much during the pandemic, which has increased their anxiety and depression.

Hill believes adults should instill hope in children and watch out for any child who feels hopeless.