(WXYZ) — In tonight's 7 UpFront report, we're taking a closer look at how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people's mental health.
The past year has brought many changes to families, with kids doing remote learning from home, while others are back ton in-person at their schools with restrictions.
Mothers and fathers are also working from home while dealing with the needs of their families.
Outpatient Supervisor for Oakland Family Services Lauren LaFleur is joining us to talk about it.
You can see the full interview in the video player above.
"With the pandemic, we're seeing a rise, across the country, within Michigan, and in Oakland County. Oakland County Family Services has seen a rise in kids with suicidal intent or thought specifically," LaFleur says. "Some of those warning signs could be increased alcohol or new alcohol and drug use, it can include new sleep patterns, new eating habits, changes in mood or behavior. So teens are impulsive and they are moody at times, yes, but this is an extreme change or something that just doesn't seem right with your child. You, as a parent, trust your gut, you know them best and that's also what we rely on as mental health professionals."
