Beyond Growing Pains: Pediatric Depression and Suicide in the COVID-19 Era

Aside from rising death rates and significant economic effects, the COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly impacting the mental health of children worldwide. The social isolation and loneliness that arises from COVID-19 containment measures coupled with the uncertainty surrounding many aspects of the COVID-19 crisis have led to large increases in the prevalence of anxiety, mood disorders, and suicide in children and adolescents. In this episode we sat down with Dr. Sarah Ann Anderson-Burnett, MD PhD, Addiction Neuroscientist, Health Equity Educator and Advocate, and Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Fellow at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons to discuss the challenges children are facing and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Please check out the resources below for more information and please hit us up with your feedback, questions, comments, or concerns!   Psychiatric Times: New Findings About Children's Mental Health During COVID-19 https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/new-findings-children-mental-health-covid-19   Healthy Children.Org: Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Signs-your-Teen-May-Need-More-Support.aspx   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coping With Stress https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html