The Pandemic Revealed Stark Inequalities in Children's Mental Health

How do we best support those on a difficult path?

How Declining Quality of Life Impacts Children's Mental Health

Every aspect of life is more challenging under financial pressure. Over time, that stress compounds, leading to deterioration of mental health.

For children, continuous stress early in life is likely to derail their future. This is further exacerbated by broader social issues like decreasing quality of life and mental health crises, which enflamed during the pandemic.

A research review led by Dr. Delphine Collin-Vézina at McGill University has highlighted how the pandemic impacted the mental health of children, particularly those in precarious positions.

Core Findings: Stark Mental Health Disparities Among Young People

• Mental Health Decline: Anxiety, depression, and stress were significantly increased among children and youth during the pandemic.

• Unequal Impact: Those with pre-existing mental health disorders, financial challenges, or in marginalized communities faced greater adversities and showed lower resilience levels.

• Key Stressors: Isolation and interrupted schooling emerged as primary stressors that negatively impacted mental well-being.

“Children and youth with pre-existing mental health disorders, living in financially precarious situations, from racialized groups, and/or involved with child protection services experienced lower levels of resilience when faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Implications: Isolation and Fewer Support Systems

The pandemic revealed immense gaps in many of our systems, from health services to supply chains. As the McGill researchers explain, the pandemic intensified existing inequalities in the mental health system, revealing how children's mental health support must be a focal point going forward.

When it comes to child development, the earlier we can support them on these challenges, the better:

• Social Isolation: Prolonged social isolation interrupts crucial developmental stages, impacting one's ability to form and maintain social connections.

• School Disruptions: The switch to remote learning disrupted educational routines, contributing to increased anxiety and stress among students.

• Family Connections: Despite the above challenges, some positive outcomes were noted during lockdown periods, including strengthened family relationships and communication, revealing resilience and adaptability.

“The more adverse experiences in childhood, the greater the likelihood of developmental delays and later health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse, and depression.”

— Harvard University

Policy Considerations: Supporting Kids Before they Start

The researchers advocate for integrated, long-term mental health support — something that could help prepare for next global health crisis (which many consider to be all too likely).

Here are some noted recommendations, which are also in line with CAMH strategies:

• Mental Health Service Accessibility: Ensure that children from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to the necessary mental health resources.

• Support Systems: Implement stronger support mechanisms in schools and communities to help children cope with ongoing stressors.

• Socioeconomic Disparities: Focus on reducing the inequities that exacerbate mental health issues among the most vulnerable populations.

Global Perspectives: Surging Anxiety and Depression Exacerbated

The pandemic simultaneously revealed and intensified the inequalities that have long impacted children’s mental health worldwide. From the United States to Asia, reports consistently showed surges in anxiety and depression among young people.

Similar to Canadian findings, children across the globe from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with pre-existing mental health conditions display lower resilience to pandemic-related stressors.

“Research also indicates social disparities have expanded since COVID, and many families have accumulated multiple stressors that are impacting their well-being and functioning.”

Future in Focus: Building a Better Tomorrow for Kids Today

The policy implications are clear, but making sweeping improvements to mental health programs may not be enough. Programs will likely need to be tailored to people’s backgrounds. Indeed, addressing socio-economic disparities can go a long way to mitigating long-term negative impacts on youth, which can extend throughout life.

As the world settles into the post-pandemic future (and prepares for the next) a renewed focus on children's mental health will be crucial in fostering resilient, healthy future generations.

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