School closures during Covid-19 spiked mental health problems in kids: WHO

Closure of schools during Covidinduced lockdowns across the world had a deep impact and spiked global mental health crisis in young children according to a recent report by the World Health Organisation WHOThe report said that globally there was a greater change in prevalence of major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders among younger age groups than older ones potentially reflecting the deep impact of school closures and social restrictions on youth mental healthExtended school and university closures interrupted routines and social connections meaning that young people missed out on learning and experiences expected for healthy development The disruption and isolation fueled feelings of anxiety uncertainty and loneliness and led to affective and behavioural problemsRestrictions imposed during the Covid19 pandemic for example had significant mental health consequences for many including stress anxiety or depression stemming from social isolation disconnectedness and uncertainty about the future the report saidFor some children and adolescents being made to stay at home is likely to have increased the risk of family stress or abuse which are known risk factors for mental health problems it addedThe WHO report estimates more than one billion people are living with a mental health condition after increasing by more than 25 per cent during the first year of the pandemicThe report also found bullying and sex abuse were the largest contributors to increased depression in children across the worldWhile before the pandemic the WHO estimated as many as one in seven 14 per cent of children had a mental health disorder The rise in the condition post pandemic in children could be significantThe WHO has called for urgent action on transforming mental healthcare The report also urged all countries to accelerate their implementation of the Comprehensive mental health action plan 20132030It makes several recommendations for action including stepping up investments in mental health reducing risks building resilience and dismantling barriers that stop people with mental health conditions from participating fully in society and diversifying and scaling up care options for all mental health conditionsAlso Readhttpswwwmiddaycomnewsindianewsarticleindiarecords12249newcovid19cases13deathsinlast24hours23232603This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever