Youth are likely to experience higher rates of anxiety and depression during and after COVID-19 isolation. But did you know they can carry that anxiety into adult life? A new review in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says that children and young people who are experiencing mental health issues as a result of loneliness can affect them later in life. Adults need to intervene if they notice their child is feeling depressed in isolation by bringing as much normalcy back into their life as possible.
Loneliness Impacting Youth
Schools are still being closed as well as indoor play facilities and youth are only able to meet outside in small groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was evidence in selected studies from this review that lonely young people were three times more likely to develop depression in the future. The impact of loneliness, such as developing depressive symptoms, could last for years. The duration and the intensity of the loneliness can also make a difference in whether or not young people are at risk for future depression.
What Can Be Done at Home for Mental Health
Children and young people need to return to activities where they play together as well as attending school again. This will give them structure during the day and opportunities to see their peers. Children also need more resources in how to make lockdowns easier. Embrace technology as a way of staying in contact with one another. This can be through phone calls so you can hear another’s voice or through video chats where you can see and hear each other.
How to Prevent Future Mental Health Issues
Mental health protection needs to be a priority for your child to prevent future mental health problems from happening. Public messaging from the government as well as schools providing activities to students can promote wellbeing while resuming normal activities. If your child is experiencing depression as a result of loneliness, confront them about it as early as possible to help them with their struggles. You can provide them with extra school support, help them overcome anxiety about returning to school, or give them an extra hand in reconnecting with peers. If it is hard for your child to get back in the swing of things once schools are opened and interactions are safer, encourage them to seek mental health treatment to prevent adult depression.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
