Youth Mental Health Emergencies Peak in April, Colorado Hospital Reports
Children's Hospital Colorado reported that emergency department visits for mental health reasons run about 20 percent above the annual average in April. Academic pressure, standardized testing, and seasonal changes all contribute to the spike.
April is the hardest month for young people's mental health, according to Children's Hospital Colorado.
The hospital reported that emergency department visits for mental health reasons run about 20 percent above the annual average in April. Outpatient providers also see a surge in stress among young patients as the school year nears its end.
Academic pressure drives much of the increase. AP exams, standardized testing, project deadlines, and grade concerns pile up in spring. Social stressors, including prom and school transitions, add to the load. Seasonal factors, such as changes in daylight, allergens, and circulating viruses, may also play a role.
Nationwide, youth mental health emergencies follow a pattern: they peak a few weeks after school starts in the fall and again in the spring, then drop around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The pattern suggests schools play a major role in identifying students who are struggling.
Wellpower, an outpatient mental health center, reported a 25 percent increase in calls for child and teen help from February to March, with further increases expected in April.
Mental health professionals advise parents to prioritize sleep, limit screen time before bed, and help teens plan for stressful events in advance. They also recommend talking openly with children about suicide, noting that asking about it does not plant the idea but opens dialogue.
Experts say starting stress management planning as early as January can reduce the severity of spring crises.
