I’ve come across several articles in various news outlets recently that made me realize there is the potential for major issues facing our youth in today’s COVID world.
According to the latest available estimates, more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 is estimated to live with a diagnosed mental disorder. Almost 46,000 adolescents die from suicide each year, among the top five causes of death for their age group. Meanwhile, wide gaps persist between mental health needs and funding. A report found that about 2% of government health budgets globally are allocated to mental health spending.
A new U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory says the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the nation’s youth mental health crisis and calls for a rapid response. The report cites early estimates suggesting that more than 6,000 deaths by suicide may have occurred among youth ages 10-24 in 2020. The report calls for expanded access to behavioral and mental health care services for children, including through telehealth, and expanding the school-based mental health workforce.
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According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression and thoughts of suicide – and rates have increased over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic further altered their experiences at home, school and in the community, and the effect on their mental health has been devastating. The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation.”
COVID-19 has shown significant impacts on the development, emotional and behavioral health and social and economic wellbeing of children across America, further exacerbating already existing inequities.
COVID-19 disruptions to early childhood services, programs and schools exacerbated inequities and highlighted challenges to service provision. Children, youth and families also lost much more than learning opportunities with the closure of school services. Children and families involved with the child welfare system experienced increased stress and fewer services. Building resilience in children, youth and families can help promote equity and support recovery efforts. Further research and information are needed to fully understand all the short- and long-term impacts COVID-19 has had and will have on children and youth.
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But the long-term effects of lockdown, contact restrictions and online schooling on the “Corona generation” will probably only be seen in a few years.
So what can you do right now? Well, start by finding out what your child already knows. That means you should ask questions geared to your child’s age level. It is important for you to learn how much kids know, and to find out if they’re hearing the wrong information. And, if your kids don’t seem interested or don’t ask a lot of questions, that’s OK.
Focus on helping your child feel safe but be truthful. Don’t offer more detail than your child is interested in. If the topic doesn’t come up, there’s no need to raise it. If your child asks about something and you don’t know the answer, say so. Your child’s questions provide a chance to find out together.
Remember, it’s natural for kids to worry, “Could I be next? Could that happen to me?” Let your child know that kids don’t seem to get as sick as adults. Let them know they can always come to you for answers or to talk about what scares them.
Give your child specific things to do to feel in control. Teach kids that getting lots of sleep and washing their hands well and often can help them stay strong and well. Explain that regular handwashing also helps stop viruses from spreading to others. Be a good role model and let your kids see you washing your hands often! Talk about the vaccines that people are getting to protect against the virus.
Remember that younger children and teens often worry more about family and friends than themselves. For example, if kids hear that older people are more likely to be seriously ill, they might worry about their grandparents. Letting them visit, call or video chat with older relatives can help them feel reassured about loved ones. Let your kids know that it’s normal to feel stressed out at times. Everyone does. Recognizing these feelings and knowing that stressful times pass and life gets back to normal can help children build resilience.
So if your child has expressed suicide ideation, you can get help by calling the NJ Hopeline at 855-654-6735. Specialists are available for confidential telephone counseling and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
And if you know a youth between the ages of 10-24 and lives in New Jersey and need to talk about an issue or problem that they are facing, call 888-222-2228 anytime or text us at 888-222-2228.
Ezra Helfand is CEO/Executive Director of the Wellspring Center for Prevention. You can reach him at ezra.helfand@wcpnj.org.
