Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34
The pandemic has affected children’s physical and mental well-being. One of the most obvious effects of the pandemic is the parents’ loss of jobs, income, housing/evictions, no healthcare, or food insecurity. Living with these disparate sudden changes has affected the entire family. Before the pandemic, there were already mental disorders or illnesses that existed. With no clear end in sight for the coronavirus, we are seeing a worsening impact.
The children’s learning via new tech equipment and a total change of their school experience has affected them unevenly. Some have access to Wi-Fi for receiving instruction, but others do not. Some children have no supervision or support and are homebound. The isolation from extended family members, school classmates, sports, jobs, attending religious ceremonies – everything that had been considered part of their world – has changed.
Reports of stress, depression and psychological trauma have been seen. It is too early to have any data to report the extent of this specifically. Child abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse has no doubt increased.
Changes in daily routines, especially the inability to see family members or hug them has been very difficult. Pandemic restrictions have caused stress in children that may be hard to pinpoint. Wearing masks and keeping social distancing had not been part of the day-to-day activities, and now it is. Fear of the unknown is also taking its toll on daily lives. How do you know what is real or the harm that it can bring?
It is recommended that parents discuss these issues involving the pandemic to help alleviate anxiety and avoid panic. Unfortunately, discussing the death of a grandparent or of other relatives will be very challenging. Hospital visits or funerals have also been restricted, leaving people unable to say good-bye to loved ones. Not celebrating birthdays, marriages, anniversaries, etc. seems unfair. Some decide to take risks and then suffer consequences.
“A professional counselor commented: Professionals can’t treat patients’ mental health without addressing the deficits in basic needs, including food, money to pay the bills and Internet access.” Our government must ensure these basic needs to support families.
There are hotlines in many languages to access advice on what to do should your child show signs that are not usually seen. This includes experimenting with substances that could be dangerous and/or fatal. Reach out and get help:
The NAMI website (National Alliance on Mental Illness) reports the following:
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
- 1 in 6 U.S. youths aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
NAMI HelpLine: (800) 950-6264 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255.
Spanish Suicide Prevention support: 1 (888) 628-9454.
