Significant increase in mental disorders due to COVID-19

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report “The State of the World’s Children 2021” estimates that more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 years globally will be diagnosed with HIV. psychosis. If these disorders are not intervened and treated, they will significantly affect the development, learning and quality of life of the individual children in particular and the society in general.

Sara Lundberg is an 8th grader at Orefield Middle School who was diagnosed with anxiety and depression during the pandemic. She said: “My mood fluctuated during the time I had to study online, now I feel better because I can go to school to see friends and I have also taken medication for anxiety and depression.”

COVID-19 Now in its third year, this pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the mental health and living conditions of children and young people around the world. Statistics show that more than 1.6 billion children suffer certain losses in education. Disruptions in activities, education, entertainment as well as concerns about family income and health are causing many young people to fall into fear, anger and anxiety about the future.

According to Dr. Leslie Hulvershorn – Child psychologist: “The growth of social media and the use of social media by young people has inherently increased the number of cases of anxiety, depression, emotional disorders or disorders. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more adolescents have been diagnosed with mental disorders, and the need for psychological intervention is increasing.”

According to analysis by the London School of Economics, mental disorders that lead to disability or death in young people cost economies an estimated $390 billion a year.

Eliminating stigma against mental illnesses

According to UNICEF, interventions in areas such as health, education and social protection have been shown to be effective in helping young people improve their mental health. Experts say the most important thing is to break the silence around this issue, by removing stigma against mental illnesses, increasing public understanding, and taking the experience seriously. of adolescents and willing to accompany them to overcome psychological obstacles.

Uva, Pepe and Chumi are three of the project’s 10 dogs that help reduce stress and anxiety for students when returning to face-to-face learning after two years away from the lecture hall due to COVID-19.

Mr. Tomas – Architecture student said: “Every time I see a dog, I smile, I won’t think of anything else but only focus on their cuteness. I think this is a project. good judgment”.

According to data from the Chilean Ministry of Education, in the first month of returning to school in person, the number of physical and mental abuse cases of students has increased by 22% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Ms. Ignacia Pfingsthorn – Clinical Psychologist, Catholic University of Chile shared: “This project is exactly the solution we were looking for. Petting animals for a certain period of time helps to significantly reduce levels of blood pressure. anxiety levels in people who are in stressful situations. In addition, it has many psychological benefits, such as increasing self-confidence or a sense of belonging to a group.”

In Australia’s capital, Canberra, Julie Scheer’s dance school has helped many young women find confidence and optimism over the past 17 years. According to her, girls at puberty have many psychological problems and need to share. “It was clear to me before COVID, but after the pandemic, sharing has become even more important. Everyone needs someone to talk to.”

To help girls overcome psychological problems, an organization in Canberra is applying the model of a mentor to accompany them. Mature women like Julie Scheer will sign up as mentors for teenage girls, ready to share and guide them through this tumultuous period.

Glenda Stevens – Fearless Women’s Executive Director commented: “It seems that many young girls lack confidence, they want to know that their feelings are recognized and respected and they want it throughout. the rest of my life”.

There remains a large gap between mental health care needs and mental health support funding. The UNICEF report shows that only about 2% of governments’ health budgets globally are allocated to spending on mental health.

In the context that the COVID-19 epidemic still exists, experts recommend that the community raise awareness and care about mental health in children and young people, the future generation of society.

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