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State Says Teen Depression Rate Rising During Pandemic

WCBE 90.5FM | By Ohio Public Radio

Published November 13, 2020 at 5:17 AM EST

Even before COVID-19, many teens have struggled with mental health issues.

Ohio Department of Education research analyst Eben Dowell says during the pandemic, rates of suicidal thoughts and actions are lower among high schoolers than the national average. But more students are struggling with symptoms of depression:

Dayton Children's Hospital child psycholgist Julie Stucke says lifestyle changes from COVID-19 may bring existing mental illnesses to the surface:

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Stucke suggests teens find ways to socialize safely and stick to a daily routine to manage their stress:

Stucke-2...schedule.mp3

Stucke says if teens are struggling with mental health, the first resource should be their primary care provider.

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