Our Children’s Mental Health: A Critical Situation

pregnant woman throwing toddler in the air sitting by a tree

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall health. It is no surprise that the latest advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General is making waves. Last week, Surgeon General Dr. Alex Martinez released a statement emphasizing the urgent need to tackle the mental health crisis affecting youth across the nation. Frankly, the only surprising part is how long it took for this issue to gain national attention.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered life as we know it. While we can’t rewind time to change the circumstances, we can gain insight into the factors affecting children’s mental health and how we, as parents, can help them thrive.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Have you ever heard of ACEs? This acronym stands for adverse childhood experiences, a term introduced by pediatric health experts. The pandemic is undoubtedly one of these experiences.

Dr. Maya Thompson, a pediatrician, explains in a recent interview: “Adverse experiences trigger the brain’s fight-or-flight response, a natural reaction to immediate threats.” However, nearly two years into the pandemic, the consequences are becoming more evident. “Continual exposure to stressful situations prolongs their stress response and causes lasting harm,” Dr. Thompson adds.

Even prior to the pandemic, children required more mental health support than what was available. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in youth, with approximately 1 in 5 children aged 3 to 17 in the U.S. experiencing a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.

Children possess a remarkable resilience, but they are still vulnerable. The mental health impacts of COVID-19 that have affected adults are equally relevant for kids. The key difference? Adults have years of experience dealing with loss and understanding grief. Many children have lost loved ones or their usual routines, including social interactions and activities vital for emotional growth.

Ways to Support Our Children

The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health provides several actionable steps:

Acknowledge Mental Health as Vital to Overall Well-Being
It’s crucial to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. If a child were to break a bone, we wouldn’t simply tell them to move on; the same consideration must apply to their invisible struggles.
Encourage Emotional Awareness and Management
Seeing a child in distress is heart-wrenching for any parent. It’s essential to help them recognize that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. By validating these feelings, we empower them to manage and learn from their emotional experiences.
Recognize Economic and Social Challenges
It’s an uncomfortable truth, but those with financial stability often have more time and resources to devote to their children’s mental health. For example, families facing food insecurity may prioritize immediate needs over mental health issues. Instead of dismissing their struggles, be understanding of the various barriers others face. Everyone is navigating their own challenges while trying to support their children.

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In summary, it is crucial to prioritize our children’s mental health, especially in the wake of the pandemic. By understanding the factors at play and implementing supportive strategies, we can help our children navigate their feelings and promote their overall well-being.

Keyphrase: children’s mental health crisis
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