A year later, mental health experts have noted that depression and suicide is on the rise during an uncertain pandemic. Some children are still mostly at home due to remote education. In addition to their favorite activities facing cancellation due to factors such as weather and COVID-19 restrictions, many children suffer from confusion and stress.
Recently Dr. Stevan Lahr of Family & Children’s Services spoke to KOTV News on 6 about ways parents can help their children. In Oklahoma, a state health report showed on average, two Oklahomans between the age of 10 and 24 die by suicide every week.
Lorri Perez, senior program director for the Child and Family Strengthening Center and Professional Services at Family & Children’s Services, says in a recent interview with Tulsa Kids Magazine that isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can make these problems worse.
“A lot of the kids that we see for mental health are already struggling with school anyway,” Perez says. “Online school ramped up the anxiety for kids and their parents.”
Behaviors range from moodiness, anger and even tantrums. Older children may experience stomach aches and headaches. If parents notice such major changes in day-to-day functioning, Family & Children’s Services can help. In addition, here are some resources that can help.
Child Mind Institute:
- Signs of Depression During the Pandemic
- How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves
- 12 Tips for Raising Confident Kids
- How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids
- What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious
- What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers?
- Siblings Under Stress
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention