The Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes to people’s daily lives, particularly during the early stages of the outbreak. Schools, businesses, and public spaces closed down, and millions of individuals were forced to shift to remote work and learning, resulting in increased social isolation and uncertainty. These changes have taken a toll on mental health, particularly among the youth.
According to the American Psychological Association, COVID-19 has affected young people’s levels of stress and anxiety. In a recent study, 70% of Generation Z individuals (ages 18–23) report enduring stress from the pandemic, while 75% of them have experienced disruption in their life plans. Make sure to check out this external resource we’ve curated for you. You’ll find additional and interesting information on the subject, further expanding your knowledge. Counselling for Children https://www.interactivecounselling.ca/counselling/kelowna-youth-counselling/.
The Importance of Supporting Youth Mental Health Services
Amid the pandemic, it is more important than ever to ensure young people can maintain their mental health and seek appropriate support when necessary. Accessible, secure, and high-quality care is particularly vital in addressing the concerns of young adults faced with various mental health disorders.
In the short term, untreated depression or anxiety can have a severe negative impact on an individual’s health and well-being, increasing the risk of suicide and hospitalization. According to a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those aged 18-24 have higher rates of suicidal ideation than any other age group. Furthermore, the harmful impacts of untreated mental illness on this age group can last a lifetime, affecting their education, social development, economic prospects, and future overall health.
The Challenges in Youth Mental Health Care Services during COVID-19
Unfortunately, the outbreak has created multiple challenges for healthcare providers in providing access to and quality care for young people.
First, the rise in demand for mental health services has increased the pressure on the system, with limited availability of in-person care, staff, and resources. Second, social stigma associated with mental health issues has been a significant barrier to accessing care, with young people worried that seeking counseling will carry some social penalty. Finally, more youth today report low willingness to be reached for solutions to their mental health problems, which fails to curb the rising mental health issues that are brought about by challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic.
Overcoming Barriers to Youth Mental Health Care Services
Despite the challenges, several initiatives have emerged that address the barriers faced by young people seeking mental health care services during the pandemic.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the mental health of youth, necessitating innovative solutions to mental health care. Despite the challenges and barriers, addressing the mental health crisis requires a community effort in supporting the mental health of young people. Healthcare providers, policy-makers, educators, students, and advocates can work together to ensure young people can access affordable, high-quality mental health services on their own terms so that they can achieve lifelong mental wellbeing. Continue to explore the topic using this external source we’ve meticulously selected to supplement your reading. https://www.interactivecounselling.ca/counselling/kelowna-youth-counselling/, discover new insights and perspectives on the topic!
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