A doctor is offering insights into mental health conditions and is providing tips on treating patients during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health does not discriminate and can impact anyone. Health care professionals say they are seeing it more in younger residents.

"With suicide rates on the increase, especially in youth as of right now, it's probably one of the top three ways that your child can die," said Dr. Nasreen Akbar, psychiatrist at Kings County Hospital.

Suicide rates for people ages 10 to 24 have increased from 2007 to 2021, according to the CDC.

Dr. Akbar says it's important for parents, teachers and caregivers to look out for signs.

"Let's say you have a bubbly teenager who suddenly, the friends aren't showing up anymore and they're just a change from their usual, that's something that will be a thing to check in...what's going on here," said Dr. Akbar.

Kings County Hospital provides different inpatient services for young people who are struggling.

"For a lot of children and adolescents, we use individual therapy. which we primarily think about as talking, but for some kids, it's harder to talk to express their feelings," said Karen Forbes, psychologist supervisor at Kings County Hospital.

Kings County Hospital has sensory rooms where patients are able to walk on different photos, touch different textures and use different objects to calm themselves and feel comfortable.

"Them being more open to trying different materials, trying different equipment, using the space more, using their bodies more as they express themselves," said Dr. Forbes.

Kings County is reminding Brooklyn residents that they have many different inpatient services to help families in crisis.