Study finds emergency care for self-harm, suicidal thoughts increased during pandemic for young Canadians

The national study found that overall ER visits dropped during the pandemic but the number of young people requiring emergency services for suicidal ideation, self-harm and self-poisoning rose, to 6,060 emergency visits per quarter during the pandemic, among 10- to 18-year-olds, from 5,293 visits per quarter before the pandemic. Hospital admissions for those conditions also increased, to 1,770 admissions per quarter during the pandemic, in that age group, from 1,590 admissions per quarter before the pandemic. Females aged 10-14 experienced the largest rise in emergency visits and hospital admissions for those mental health conditions. Researchers say the study highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health care across Canada.