ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Reports state that 1 in 8 children suffer from mental health issues likely start at age 14.

Statistics state that adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year.

WALB spoke with an expert who is a family physician, and he told me that many of the children he sees spend too much time on social media and do not have enough balance in other areas.

“To increase access to care, CareSource has partnered with multiple mental health mobile units throughout the state to provide free care and care for members with CareSource resources across the state to ensure they get the care they need. If they need a referral to a psychiatrist, we can help with that, too,” said Dr. Minh Nguyen, M.D., a CareSource Georgia Family Physician.

One resource for young people with mental health problems is a school-based health administrator, that can ensure students have what they need.

“There are many coping mechanisms that we don’t have an opportunity to share with our young people and people in general to help them cope with different stressors in their lives. I know being exposed to negativity in the world today is always a challenge. It’s hard to unplug from that, and that has been affecting people everywhere,” said Nguyen.

Experts want to convey the overall message that it’s okay not to be okay. Right now, there is a Georgia crisis helpline that you can use: 1-800-715-4225. To find more information click here.

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