By: Heidi Kirk
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — Many people are feeling the mental health impact of the pandemic, but children are suffering more than others
Child Therapist Temple Carson said she’s seen an uptick in patients since the onset of the pandemic.
“I’m seeing a lot of kids that have increased anxiety and some phobias,” said Carson.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of children suffering from a mental disorder is up 24% compared to this time last year.
This increase can be attributed to more time at home in isolation.
3-year-old Cora Willson isn’t attending school this year to avoid becoming sick with the virus.
“I miss my friends,” Willson said.
Carson said that most kids tend to worry about the other people in their life instead of themselves.
“They are actually very worried about their grandparents,” Carson said.
Carson said it can be normal for kids to be worried, but if parents see their children struggling in more than one area in their life, it may be time to seek help.
The CDC provides information on coping skills while managing mental health during the pandemic at cdc.gov.