ST. LOUIS - In these abnormal times, mental health advocates want to normalize conversations about feelings.

A recent analysis shows, mental health services for children nearly doubled when the pandemic hit and it remains high.

It shows in spring 2020, intentional self-harm, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorders, overdoses and substance use disorders all increased for the age group 13-18.

Holly Nemec is the Community Relations Manager with Behavioral Health Response, also known as BHR.

BHR provides crisis support, telephone counseling, and mental health resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nemec said the analysis mirrors what's going on in the St. Louis region.

Read more: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/children-mental-health-coronavirus-st-louis/63-17ed6d9b-3d37-4f17-b8ea-d4764293c413