DEPRESSION ROSE IN ADOLESCENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC. WHAT TO KNOW

Why were mental issues increasing before the pandemic

Before the pandemic, the high mental health issues were linked to demographic changes, substance abuse, social media pressure, financial woes, stigma discrimination experiences, and conflicts in relationships or families.

How has the pandemic further contributed to the ongoing increase?

In my opinion, depression and other mental issues have increased due to factors such as; social isolation due to the pandemic regulations, isolation, lack of support from friends and family, work constraints, grieving loved ones, death, substance abuse, fear of getting the virus and challenges in accessing mental health facilities.

At an individual + population level, what type of support/resources do young people need to improve their mental health at an individual + population level?

Some mental health resources for the young generation can include; creating mobile targets to address specific mental disorders, increased awareness on the need to check and where to get help in youths, recommending healthy lifestyle habits, video game therapy, support from loved ones, communities, and NGOs.

Why might girls be more impacted than boys, as the study found?

Girls are more depressed than boys; most are socially sensitive and tend to get more pressurized by other people’s comments; with increased time spent on social media, ladies feel stressed to keep up with changing social standards. Women are more vulnerable emotionally when coping with issues that increase their stress, anxiety, or depression levels. Lack of mental heal access, increased cases of sexual violence, abuse, and fears of the future are all attributed to higher mental issues in girls.