According to recent statistics, over 214,000 children in the country have lost their parents to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It can seriously affect a child’s mental health.” Jackie Baker, licensed social worker and behavioral health therapist at UPMC Behavioral Health, said:
“Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, and rates have increased over the past decade.” Baker said.
Other statistics show a steady increase in childhood mental health concerns and suicide rates from 2010 to 2020.
“The pandemic has intensified this crisis.Across the country, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in emergency department visits for all mental health emergencies.” Baker said.
Before the pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor quality of life among young people, with 1 in 5 children aged 3 to 17 in the country suffering from mental, emotional and had a developmental or behavioral disability. According to Baker, from 2009 to 2019, the percentage of high school students who reported feeling constant sadness or hopelessness increased by 40%, surpassing her one in three.
“There’s a lot going on, and it’s been the perfect storm of factors that will have ripple effects for years to come. Baker said.
The pandemic has disrupted lives on top of the existing challenges many young people face.
And like adults, adolescents, who were vulnerable from the start, were hit the hardest by the pandemic. This includes youth with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ youth, low-income youth, rural youth, youth from immigrant households, youth involved in child welfare or juvenile justice systems, and homeless youth. It is included.
In an era of social distancing and isolation, many therapists have transitioned from face-to-face to other modes of care, such as virtual and telemedicine, yet many people are still experiencing canceled or delayed appointments. I was faced with the challenge of trying to receive care.
Late last year, the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association, “The country’s urgent need to address the youth mental health crisis and our nation’s future well-being depend on how we support and invest in the next generation.” Baker said.
“The pandemic hit and imposed many social constraints on teenagers and children, disrupting all aspects of life at home, in schools and in the community.” Baker added.
What should parents look for?
“Being mentally healthy in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, learning healthy social skills and how to deal with problems when they arise.” Dr. Olufunke Oladejo, pediatrician at UPMC Pediatrics, said:
“Children who are mentally healthy have a higher quality of life and are able to function well at home, in school and in the community.” she said.
Children, even the strongest ones, can be frightened and sometimes feel sad and hopeless, warns Oradejo. “Fear and worry are typical of children, but persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness may be due to anxiety or depression.”
Parents should be aware that depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, and many other mental health problems manifest in children differently than in adults.
“Depressed adolescents and teenagers may overreact, exhibit problem behavior, and be very irritable, while adults may only appear depressed and sad. she said.
In order for parents to distinguish what is normal for their child, they need to know what is normal behavior for their child and what is not.
According to Oladejo, red flags that parents should look for include increased withdrawal from previously enjoyable activities, changes in diet and appearance, struggles with schoolwork, overreaction to mundane activities, and manifestations of fear and anxiety. there is.
Oradejo says it’s not always easy to tell if a child is experiencing depression or anxiety, as well as the usual adolescent mood swings.
“By being open-minded when bringing up the topic of mental health with children, avoiding words like ‘crazy’, and normalizing children’s behavior as ‘part of growing up,’ Minimizing the child’s emotions can help.” Oradejo said.
Also, parents should remember that not all children want to talk about their feelings. Instead of talking face-to-face, it may be better to try other means of communication, such as emails or letters.
“The important thing is that parents keep trying.” she said.
Another aspect of a child’s healthy mental development to consider is the mental health of the parents or caregivers themselves.
“Parents with their own mental health challenges, such as dealing with symptoms of depression or anxiety (fear or worry), have more difficulty compared to parents who describe their mental health as good.” So parents need to have a realistic understanding of their own mental health before trying to help their child.” she explained.
help is available
There are various treatments for children and teenagers. A school counselor can provide your child or her teen with a safe place to learn healthy coping skills and find emotional support.
Individual therapy is another treatment option, as are group and family therapy. “Involving the entire family unit to effectively support children and teens” Baker said.
A good starting point is to start with a health care provider, such as your child’s primary care provider.
“Healthcare providers are trained in what to look for in relation to risky behavior and how to assess patients in a non-threatening way.” Oradejo said.
“Parents should talk to their child’s health care provider, share their concerns, and encourage their child to feel safe and open to their health care provider. It also helps us begin the process of fully assessing our families and connecting them to resources.” she said.
In the past, it was easier to admit that you had a deadly illness than to seek treatment for any kind of mental health problem. Unfortunately, some of that stigma still exists.
“Unfortunately, many people, adults and children alike, still believe that their problems need to be contained, even if it debilitating or exhausting everything.” Baker said.
“Stigma in today’s society causes shame and helplessness, but there are resources and hope available.” she added.
Baker offered some suggestions for overcoming stigma, including talking openly about mental health, learning about it, and teaching others about it.
“Be careful with the language you use. Mental illness is a disease, not something you can control. Show compassion and empathy — don’t be judgmental.” she said.
“Get treatment and talk about it. Mental illness is not a stage or thing that you can get over if you try hard. It’s important to get support from your doctor and your doctor.” Baker said.
“Don’t add to the stigma” she said.
