Documentary ANXIOUS NATION Explores The Rise In Anxiety In Children

Children, like adults, can experience anxiety. It’s normal. But if your child’s anxiety is interfering with their school, home, or social life, they need professional help. inspirational documentary, anxious countrywhich delves into the rising rates of anxiety among children and adolescents and calls for an urgent need for compassionate, science-based treatment and care. Palm Springs International Film FestivalI spoke with the filmmakers and cast members about the epidemic of mental illness among the most vulnerable people in society.

“You have to start treating your mental health just like you treat your physical health,” proclaimed the producer. new york times best-selling author, Laura Morton, has appeared in films with her daughter Sevey. “In an ideal world, every pediatrician’s office would have a mental health professional.”

The need to integrate mental health (MH) care into general medical care has been raised for several years. It’s easy to see why.by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five adults in the United States, or 53 million people, has a mental illness. In addition, 20% of primary care visits Include at least one mental health indication (depression, counseling, etc.) (more on this later).

Bring anxious country What appeared on the screen was a basic call to action for executive producers and entrepreneurs. Cathy Ireland“There are so many factors contributing to this heartbreaking anxiety pandemic, it’s important that families understand they’re not alone in this battle,” said the fashion designer and former supermodel. “We can’t look away.”

Anxiety, Children, Covid-19

Anxiety and Depression – Along with ADHD and Behavioral Problems, Two of the Most Commonly Diagnosed Mental Disorders in Children – It has increased Since 2003, there has been an increase among children aged 6 to 17 years. It is difficult for him to pinpoint one particular cause, some factors From perceived pressure to excel in school and bullying (including cyberbullying), to overuse of social media, to the disruption of learning caused by the global infectious disease crisis known as Covid-19. anxious country It explicitly addressed the detrimental effects of the pandemic. Everyone feels the pressure of this epidemic. “

“There’s no question that teenage anxiety is on the rise,” said a psychiatrist, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation“School disruptions at the peak of the pandemic have resulted in an academic deficit for many students. This is causing extreme anxiety among students trying to catch up.”

“Today’s children are spoiled”

A common complaint of older generations about Generation Z (ages 11 to 26) is that they are too spoiled and entitled.Many parents feel that their children more pampered The surge in anxiety experienced by children and teens is very real, even more so than when they were children.

“Blaming teenagers for being spoiled, entitled, or spoiled gets adults off the hook,” explains Lynn Lyons of LICSW, who appeared in the film. We need to take some responsibility for that behavior.When we experience our teens as spoiled, empowered, and spoiled, what we often see is emotional literacy. And I think it’s a lack of subtle emotional management.”

According to the Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, director and writer, all older generations think the younger generation are spoiled and entitled. Vanessa Ross“We need to nurture and support our children so that we can provide them with all the resources they need at home, in school, and in the community. I need a tool that can help me.”

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Candida Fink, M.D.firmly believes that adults need to be taught believe When children tell us how they feel. “Even if you don’t understand it,” says Dr. Fink. If you just sayYou don’t have to worry about anything. you’re okay“We are missing an opportunity to identify and treat anxiety.”

Racial disparities in mental health care

The film addresses the disproportionate access to mental health care experienced by non-white children and young adults. In one scene, Golden Her Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson sums up the sad reality facing her community: The NIMH reports that 51.8% of her Caucasians received her MH services, compared with 37.1% of her blacks and only 20.8% of her Asians. research It shows that the proportion of black youth using MH services decreased between 2010 and 2017, while it increased among white youth. In addition, white youth were twice as likely to use psychotropic drugs as Hispanic youth.

Descriptions vary, but may include high rate of stigma On mental illness in communities of color, and longstanding systemic racism and discrimination among health professionals. Some solutions are simple, others require detailed planning. I think medical schools, nursing schools, and residency training programs need to teach the importance of equity, appropriate language, and structural barriers to care. Hospitals also need to train staff on cultural sensitivities and break down barriers to quality care within their marble walls. Public health departments should work with members of minority groups to actively develop and implement community-based programs.

how about the treatment?

So how do you get children with anxiety to get the help they need and deserve? One approach targets disinformation. “A child or her teen now has unprecedented access to information about her mental health, much of which is not only inaccurate but counterproductive,” Lyons said. increase. “Both medical professionals and the media have a responsibility to report and disseminate correct information.”

Another big spider in the web of childhood anxiety? Social media. The film depicts her one girl who spent over 10 hours a day on TikTok. But it is temporary. “In addition to increasing rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents, social media also interferes with sleep.Her teen who accessed the social media platform daily 19% more likely sleep deprived. Parents should limit screen time, especially before bedtime.

Perhaps the most influential mental health interventions involve schools. anxious country Reported exorbitant wait times: initial Intake at school is 3-6 weeks. Not even treatment! If you still have a rash, the pharmacy will have a steroid cream waiting for you that day. ” However, teachers should not be expected to become ad-hoc psychologists.

“We need more mental health professionals in schools who actively assess and identify struggling students and offer evidence-based interventions such as CBT and mindfulness.” He points to research showing that mindfulness-based stress reduction is as effective as escitalopram (“Lexapro”) for anxiety. Resilience skills should also be central to student health and well-being. A student with severe anxiety may need to seek professional her MH treatment more quickly and fairly.

Schoolwork demands are also “a big part of childhood anxiety,” according to Dr. Fink, “and have been on the rise for decades. Suicide in children increases during the school year.”Children Under 10 Although rare, American Academy of Pediatrics Adolescent and adolescent suicide rates have increased significantly, reporting a tripling between 2007 and 2017 among children aged 10 to 14.

*****

As a physician who has treated many mentally ill patients, and as a member of a South Asian community where mental health is rarely discussed, anxious country It resonated with me personally and professionally. Especially with children and teenagers, we need to be as open and open about their mental health as they are about their physical health. They are our future, but they need a lot of guidance and support. I know I did (and still do). go see this movie means on their website.If you or someone you know needs urgent attention, call or text National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.