Children and Adolescent Mental Health in a Time of COVID-19: A Forgotten Priority

Abstract

Globally, 10–20% of children and adolescents experience mental health conditions, but most of them do not receive the appropriate care when it is needed. The COVID-19 deaths and prevention measures, such as the lockdowns, economic downturns, and school closures, have affected many communities physically, mentally, and economically and significantly impacted the already-neglected children and adolescents’ mental health. As a result, evidence has shown that many children and adolescents are experiencing psychological effects such as depression and anxiety without adequate support. The consequences of not addressing the mental health conditions in children and adolescents extend through adulthood and restrict them from reaching their full potential. The effects of COVID-19 on children and adolescents’ mental health highlight the urgent need for multisectoral home-grown solutions to provide early diagnosis and treatment and educate caregivers on home-based interventions and community outreach initiatives to address children and adolescents’ mental health challenges during this pandemic and beyond.

The Continued Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Education and Mental Health Among Sub-Saharan African Adolescents

“…Our prior household-based, cross-sectional study of adolescents in six sub-Saharan African countries (the same five countries in the current survey plus Uganda) found that older age, female sex, food insecurity, poor access to health care, and substance use were all associated with higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation/behaviors [ 32 ]. Continuing efforts are needed to monitor and address the often-ignored mental health challenges among children and adolescents [ [33] , [34] , [35] ].…”

Depression and anxiety among children and adolescents pre and post COVID-19: A comparative meta-analysis

“…The mental health conditions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, if left untreated, can compromise mental or even physical health of children and adolescents, and the adverse effect can extend into adulthood ( 60 , 61 ). Therefore, effective and feasible intervention measures should be taken to prevent increased risk of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.…”

Prevalence of mental health symptoms in children and adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A meta‐analysis

“…25,29 Without early detection and timely intervention, pandemic-related mental health issues can substantially disrupt children and adolescents' performance in school, as well as their behaviors and selfdiscipline at home and within their communities. 30,31 Undetected and untreated disorders may also lead to self-harm via increased risks of suicidal ideation, which became the second leading cause of mortality among adolescents aged 10-19 in the United States based on prepandemic data from 2019. 32 Additionally, youths struggling with emotional problems may adopt unhealthy coping strategies, such as substance abuse.…”