Local children’s health providers offer advice regarding the rise in mental health issues

We’ve all been hearing reports for a while now about mental health issues among America’s youth. With the arrival of Hakol’s Kids, Camp and Beyond issue, and as we continue to emerge from the pandemic’s disruption, we asked a couple of pediatricians and pediatric offices connected to the Jewish community to offer their input on the sub ject.

Dr. Richard Morse Pediatrician with Lehigh Valley Pediatric Associates

Q: Are you seeing a rise in mental health issues?

A: Yes, particularly anxiety and depression in teenagers and young adults. While it is true that the pandemic exacerbated the problem, the rise in mental health issues started before the pandemic.

Q: What signs are you seeing?

A: Sometimes patients and their families recognize that there is a problem and they come to the office seeking advice.

Sometimes they don't realize there is a problem.

The signs we see in the office that might clue us in to anxiety or depression include: sleep difficulties, school difficulties, mood changes, withdrawal from family or friends or activities, substance use. These are the same clues that parents would be on the lookout for.

Q: What should parents do?

A: Unfortunately, resources are stretched thin. It can be difficult to get an appointment with a therapist. Sometimes a school guidance counselor can be helpful. Probably the best thing for parents to do is make an appointment with the primary care provider.

Brandi Burns Physician assistant at Children’s Healthcare in Allentown

We are definitely seeing an increase in mental health problems and diseases in our youth and adolescent populations. They are coming in with anxi ety and depression, equally. our adolescent center to further discuss and diagnose, and we go over management with medications then. It should always be brought up and treated just like any other illness or disease.

I would say we are seeing youngerthan-ever patients, meaning 8-10-yearolds, who are struggling, which we never really had prior to COVID-19 pandemic. They are withdrawn from their peers, teachers, family members, etc.

We are recommending at this point that they see a therapist or counselor, whether it’s through their school or outpatient. This will help them cope with their feelings but also work through them so they can “live with” their anxiety and depression a little better. They give them coping techniques to help typically.