U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health emergency on the mental health crisis among the nation's youth.
The warning included a call to action to address the crisis, which has been worsened by the pandemic, he said.
Mental health issues have persisted among youth prior to the pandemic. A 2019 study revealed 1 in 3 high school students and half of female students reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness, the surgeon general noted in his advisory. In addition, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. with a reported mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder.
Many children and families faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic that have accelerated mental health issues, including losing access to mental health care, social services, income, food or housing.
“Since the pandemic began, rates of psychological distress among young people, including symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders, have increased,” Murthy wrote.
As these symptoms have risen, social distancing and more time spent at home to reduce the spread of the virus have led many to feel more isolated. Fewer in-person interactions among children, friends, social supports and professionals such as teachers, school counselors, pediatricians and child welfare workers have also made it more difficult to recognize the signs of child abuse and mental health concerns.
On the other hand, some young people thrived during the pandemic, being able to sleep more, spend more time with family, experience less bullying and academic stress, and had time to improve their coping skills. However, the pandemic is not over, and the mental health issues persist.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."