Effects of Changes on Children: Increased Worrying
As caregivers face various changes in their lives, such as job loss, reduced income, household illnesses, and additional responsibilities, these changes also impact the children under their care. Numerous studies indicate that children are experiencing heightened levels of worry, sadness, and uncooperative behaviors as a result of these circumstances. This is especially prominent among young children residing in households where the caregiver holds an hourly service job.
Depression in Children: Alarming Increase in Depressive Symptoms
A concerning trend has emerged, revealing that a growing number of children are experiencing depressive symptoms at rates surpassing what is considered typical for their respective age groups. The most significant rise in depression has been observed in children aged seven to thirteen, with a staggering one-fifth of children displaying signs of depression. However, it is high school seniors who seem to bear the brunt of more widespread and severe symptoms.
Furthermore, recent years have witnessed a surge in mental health-related emergency visits among teenagers, predominantly females. Some researchers suggest that this surge in depression rates can be attributed to factors such as increased usage of social media, social isolation, and sedentary behaviors.