After more than two years of a pandemic that has interrupted the lives of millions of children — many who have experienced loss and increased social isolation — the Biden administration is prioritizing the mental health crisis on the nation's youth.
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"When I lost her, I almost felt like my whole heart had almost crushed into pieces – because like I was really, really, really, close to her," Craig said. Murthy, the nation's top public health official, wrote experiencing trauma is a contributing factor to youth mental health symptoms during the pandemic. His advisory also warned of the increased pressure on the mental health of young people, particularly when it comes to the effects of disruptions in traditional schooling.
"We are making a big bet on supporting, attracting, developing and retaining our school psychologists, social workers, [and] counselors to really work in support of our students," Rodríguez said.Efforts by the Biden administration to curb the youth mental health crisis are needed now more than ever, advocates say. A recent National Center for Education Statistics report found that school leaders say mental health professionals are one of the top five most understaffed positions.
School counselors are typically trained teachers and have the ability to provide academic as well as social and emotional support to students, according to Cowan. She explained they are generally employed by one school, and can provide assistance with wellness promotion, social skills and even group counseling sessions for students who struggle with grief, but they cannot provide individualized clinical support.
But during the early stages of the pandemic, like most education professionals, social worker numbers dipped, according to School Social Work Association of America Executive Director Rebecca Oliver. Coupled with the nationwide teacher shortage, Oliver says most schools aren't close to meeting the needs of its students because social workers are overworked and have stretched themselves thin due to increased caseloads during the shortage.
"Pediatricians and school counselors are the best ones to give you that kind of support," Benton explained. The Department of Health and Human Services is also awarding nearly $27 million for a pediatric mental health access program for emergency department providers.
Sarah Craig flips through her coping cards at home in Louisville, Ky. in an undated family photo. Coping cards are designed to help manage feelings of sadness from years of Covid-inspired social isolation.Kentucky's Jefferson County school district said Lincoln has two on-site mental health practitioners – the average number of mental health specialists in the district's elementary school system.
"I don't think I fully understood what the phrase 'it takes a village' meant until this crisis," Benton, the child psychologist said, echoing how a community-based response can be helpful for the mental health struggles we see in young people, particularly as mental health professionals are in short supply.
Craig lost her half-brother, who was shot and killed this past spring, as well. Black youth were more likely to lose a parent or caregiver during the pandemic -- losing granny devastated her.
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