Abstract

This study highlights recent trends of suspected suicide attempts amongst girls aged 12 to 17 from February 21 to March 20, 2021, as compared to the same period in 201 before the pandemic. While there were fewer emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts between March and April following the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic, by early May 2020 these numbers increased steadily among adolescents aged between 12 to 17, especially girls, and remained elevated. This calls for attention for more awareness to be given to trends in this age group which could indicate a higher level of distress due to ongoing barriers imposed during the pandemic such as physical distancing, mental health treatment barriers, an increase in substance abuse, anxiety about family health and economic problems.