The Pandemic has Taken a Big Toll on the Mental Health of Children

A child rests their head on their arms while a woman on the phone types on a laptop.

The mental health of children during the pandemic

Remote learning, isolation, the loss of loved ones and just a general disruption to their lives – all of that is exacerbating the mental health challenges facing young people. Since the pandemic, there are increased rates of depression and anxiety, self harm and suicide, teen substance use and misuse.

Early Detection can Lead to Healing

Experiences and environments can affect the way children’s brains develop and put them at greater risk for developing both mental and physical health conditions. So when children experience high doses of stress and adversity, it can actually change the way their brains develop.

It’s important that everyone in a child’s environment be aware and understand how adverse childhood experiences may be impacting kids. From educators to law enforcement and the checkout person at the grocery store. Data shows that just as the experiences of adversity can accumulate to increase risk, the experiences of nurturing and stable environments can be healing and help the body biologically be able to weather stressors in a way that is much more healthy.

Source: NPR Montana Public Radio

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/how-has-the-pandemic-taken-a-toll-on-your-loved-ones-mental-health/

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This post originally appeared on our January/February 2022 Magazine

The Pandemic has Taken a Big Toll on the Mental Health of Children

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