The number of U.S. suicides fell nearly 6% last year amid the coronavirus pandemic. That's the largest annual decline in at least four decades, according to preliminary government data,

People feeling isolated during Covid had a lot of experts worried about how that would effect suicide rates. While preliminary numbers show a decline in suicides nationally in 2020, local experts say they have actually seen an increase in calls of people struggling with anxiety and depression during Covid. And those people are turning to using alcohol and drugs to cope.

Vince Brancaccio, CEO of the Help Network of Ohio, says he's concerned that we aren't yet seeing the total effects the pandemic has had on people.

"There's a lot of studies out there that say when there's been significant events in our country that have traumatized people, typically what you see is not an increase in suicides right off the bat but really 9 months later," said Brancaccio.

Belmont Pines in Youngstown treats the mental health of young people from age 5-18.
The CEO there, Lisa Cocca, says she is seeing a huge demand for their services. In fact, she says there is a shortage of adolescent beds in Ohio right now.

"We are hearing suicide rates and calls from hotlines, emergency rooms and schools are on the increase. For kids, peer groups are their main source for coping and they want to relate to that and a lot of times they have been cut off," said Cocca

If you are feeling hopeless or are struggling right now, you can call 2-1-1 for help at anytime.