Mental Health Matters – Building Resilience Video Series
COVID’s Devastating Impact on Children’s Mental Health
Aired Feb. 23, 2022 at 4:30 pm on Facebook @TykesTeens
This episode of Mental Health Matters focuses on the current mental health crisis, the devastating impact COVID is having on our children, families and community, and the need for a ‘whole-of-society’ collaborative approach.
Children today are experiencing unprecedented uncertainly, fear, anxiety, depression, abuse and neglect. According to the recently-released U.S. Surgeon General Advisory – Protecting Youth Mental Health – youth depressive and anxiety symptoms doubled during the pandemic, with 25% experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% anxiety. In early 2021, U.S. emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher for adolescent girls and 4% higher for adolescent boys compared to 2019. Reduced in-person interactions during the pandemic made it harder to recognize signs of child abuse and mental health concerns. The crisis in our local communities is just as staggering.
- Eric Garza, MHA, LCSW – Tykes & Teens CEO
- Brett A. Hall LCSW, MBA – Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County Executive Director
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