Surgeon General calls it a “crisis” and cites need for intensive response.
The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory last week on the devastating effect of the pandemic on the mental health of children and teens is a must-read. According to Kathy Rivera, Executive Director/CEO of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the report mirrors the experience of our therapists and clients.
“While the number of children and teens experiencing mental health challenges has been increasing for many years, the pandemic has caused an enormous upswing in depression, anxiety, suicidal thinking and other issues,” says Rivera. “That makes our work more important than ever, and we are dedicated to helping the families in our community as they navigate these difficult times.”
The Guidance Center has several programs to help those experiencing mental health conditions, including the Douglas S. Feldman Suicide Prevention Project. To learn more about our programs and services, explore the Programs & Services guide on our website or call us at 516-626-1971.
Here are some excerpts from the report, which was released by the office of Surgeon General Vivek 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.”
“Since the pandemic began, rates of psychological distress among young people, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, have increased. Recent research covering 80,000 youth globally found that depressive and anxiety symptoms doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms.”
“The pandemic era’s unfathomable number of deaths, pervasive sense of fear, economic instability, and forced physical distancing from loved ones, friends, and communities have exacerbated the unprecedented stresses young people already faced. It would be a tragedy if we beat back one public health crisis only to allow another to grow in its place. That’s why I am issuing this Surgeon General’s Advisory. Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real, and they are widespread. But most importantly, they are treatable, and often preventable.”
“Our obligation to act is not just medical—it’s moral. I believe that, coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an unprecedented opportunity as a country to rebuild in a way that refocuses our identity and common values, puts people first, and strengthens our connections to each other.”
“If we seize this moment, step up for our children and their families in their moment of need, and lead with inclusion, kindness, and respect, we can lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient, and more fulfilled nation.”
TO READ THE FULL REPORT AND GET SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE, VISIT THIS LINK.
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