Pandemic could result in wave of teen suicide

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, Poland was in the lead of countries with the highest suicide rate among children and adolescents. In 2019, nearly 1,000 suicide attempts were recorded in the 13-18 age group. Last year, there were slightly fewer of them, but mental health experts fear that the long-term effect of the pandemic could be a wave of teen suicide. “In the group of adolescents with symptoms of depression, who need immediate help from a psychologist and psychiatrist, approx. 18 percent struggles with suicidal thoughts,” Dr. Beata Rajba, a psychologist from the University of Lower Silesia, alarmed.

"That doesn't mean these teens will kill themselves, but that they are at high risk and need immediate help," she added.

Research conducted by the Polish Academy of Sciences shows that the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the deterioration of mental health, especially among those who had already struggled with problems. The second group most exposed to its negative impact are teenagers and children.

“It surprised us because it seemed that the teenagers would even enjoy it. They don't have school, they're not at risk. It turned out, however, that on the contrary – during the first lockdown, 44 percent of the children struggled with symptoms of depression. At the moment, this result is slightly lower and amounts to 38 percent. However, in those children who have symptoms of depression, the mood has significantly worsened,” Dr. Beata Rajba added.

(Newseria)