CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. — If your student is facing a mental health crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic, they are not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, the number of mental health-related emergency department visits from March 2020 to October 2020 was 24% higher for children ages 5 to 11 and 24% higher for children ages 12 to 12 compared to 2019 data. Among children aged 17, the increase was 31%.
Meanwhile, schools are working to provide support to students. Cumberland County Schools recently announced a new mental health app aimed at helping students in grades 6 through 12. This app is called “Alongside”. Partnering with schools was also undertaken to combat the youth mental health crisis.
Cumberland County student Jessica Fikes tried the app and said it helped her overcome the challenges she faces daily.
“Breathing exercises can be very helpful when you're feeling overwhelmed,” Fikes says. “They just help me calm myself down.”
Supporting teens' social, emotional, and behavioral health. Students can utilize her AI chatbot, named Kiwi, which provides evidence-based strategies and tips developed by a team of physician clinicians.
“Kiwi is our mascot here, an adorable little llama that aims to help students with their mental health,” Fikes said. “If they're struggling with something, it's good for them to have an outlet.”
The app has videos to help students deal with specific conflicts. It also has features such as diary and goal setting.
Fikes said the app helped her mother and grandmother when they faced health issues around the same time. She hopes it can do the same for others.
“Sometimes I felt like I wasn’t trying hard enough or not being my best. I had a few panic attacks because of this, but the app helped me keep them under control. Now we can,” Fikes said. “Since using the app, my emotions have become less aggressive and definitely much better.”
The app provides 24/7 support. It is important to note that access to the app requires parental permission. If something like harm or abuse happens while a student is using the app, the student can get support from real people in an easy and non-confrontational way.
