Coronavirus has taken a sledgehammer to the mental health of many Americans, but children may be experiencing the worst of it.
Youth mental health, which was a public health issue before the start of the pandemic, has been exacerbated since March of 2020, Dr. Tamar Mendelson, director of the Center for Adolescent Health at Johns Hopkins, told KCBS Radio's "Ask an Expert."
"What we're seeing is that many young people are experiencing extreme trauma," she said. "Over 146,000 U.S. children have experienced the death of a parent or a grandparent during the pandemic and children of color have been disproportionately impacted."
ER visits for mental health emergencies have increased in the past 19 months as well as the rate of childhood suicide.
For family members concerned that a child may be suffering, Mendelson advised to watch their body language. "Parents should be on the lookout for changes in their children," she said. "More withdrawal, loss of interest or pleasure in things that they used to enjoy."
Making an effort can have a dramatic impact on a child struggling with mental health. Have a family dinner or reach out to check on how they are doing, she continued. "Also asking young people directly about their experiences, sometimes they will open up. It may not come at the moment when you ask the question, but there are other unexpected moments."
Schools and pediatricians are a good resource to connect parents and children with the tools necessary to battle mental health issues or to provide appropriate help.
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