"Our kids are really struggling," said Dr. Christine Crawford, associate medical director of NAMI. As the current findings highlight, the problem was "very real" even before the pandemic, noted Crawford. "It's hard for adults to imagine that a 10-year-old could be having thoughts of suicide," she said. As for what parents can do, Crawford recommended parents check in with their kids regularly, asking how they are doing and about their friends. "You're planting the seed," Crawford said. "You're sending them the message that you're there, and you're a safe person for them to talk to."
