OUR mental Health problem

Mental Health

The mental health of a generation of children all over the world may be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruption of routines, education, and recreation has led to loneliness and isolation – known risk factors for poor mental health outcomes.

Many children are afraid, angry, and concerned for their future. In the USA, “symptoms of depression and anxiety have doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms”. Even prior to the pandemic, roughly 20% of young people aged 15-24 surveyed in 21 countries “said they often feel depressed or have little interest in doing things.” 

The mental health of children and adolescents is affected by the people around them, their surroundings, and their interactions. Unfortunately, caregivers and educators are experiencing stress and poor mental health during the pandemic which makes support even more difficult.

The US Surgeon General’s December 2021 advisory calls on “broad-based and rapid response from government, social media companies, community groups, schools, teachers, parents and even students” to address the problem from multiple angles including increasing awareness, prevention and increased resources for treatment. We believe this problem is only worse in the MENA region and our experiments in the US and research we lean on from other regions can be leveraged to support fast action.