children mental health Archives

Covid-19 Has Not Only Led To Academic Issues In Children, But Mental Health Issues Too

The pandemic forced many schools to close down in 2020, meaning many children spent the rest of the 2019-2020 school year and most, if not all, of the 2020-2021 school year learning online. It was not an easy transition for many children or for their parents, with reports from KFF Vaccine Monitor reporting that around four in ten parents of school-aged children ages 5-17 say at least one of their children fell behind academically. And academic issues have not been the only side effects of online schooling: mental health issues have also become much more common among children in the last year.

As this school year begins, though, most schools are transitioning back to in-person learning, which could end up being a mixed bag. Being physically at school can help with children’s development, but many will also experience some anxiety and panic as they return, so it is important to know how to help get your child back into the swing of things.

illustration of a girl sitting at a desk with her hands over her face — *One of the symptoms of mental health issues within children is difficulty concentrating or frequent headaches.*

Studies Show…

The Kaiser Family Foundation researchers recently asked more than 1,200 parents of children younger than age 18 about their children’s’ mental health; more than a third said their child had fallen behind in their social and behavioral development during the pandemic. Children whose school was at least partially online last year were more likely to have had their well being negatively impacted; not only that, but around 42% of the parents surveyed said their children showed at least one new mental health symptom during the pandemic.

Some of the symptoms included:

Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork (27%)
Problems with nervousness, or being easily scared or worried (19%)
Trouble sleeping (18%)
Poor appetite or overeating (15%)
Frequent headaches or stomach aches (11%)

Recognizing Signs of Stress & Other Mental Health Issues

Your child might not know how to express how they are feeling, so it is important to be able to recognize any signs of mental distress in your child. Each child or teen will exhibit different signs, but there are some common symptoms and changes in their behavior or development to look out for, including:

Irritability
Waking up more during the night
Separation anxiety
Bedwetting
Stepping back from personal relationships
Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Difficulty falling asleep
Change in appetite
Memory problems
Thoughts about death or suicide

What You Can Do To Help Prepare Your Child

While the transition back to in-person learning is undoubtedly good for children and their development, it might also be challenging for some, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. “Keep checking in with your kids,” Dr. Kyle Monk, a pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai, says. “Ask them how they’re doing and let them know how you’re feeling as well.”

If your child is anxious or scared about returning to school, have an open conversation with them, and take the time to listen to and validate their feelings. Here’s how you can help get them back into the swing of things:

Have an open conversation about the new year and what they can expect as they return to school.
Ween them off of their summer schedule by starting an earlier, consistent bedtime, and prepare them for getting up early. You might want to get them an alarm clock so they know exactly when they need to get up.
Make sure your child has a daily, predictable routine, with regular times for healthy meals, naps, and night sleep at home. Having a rested body and knowing what to expect at home helps children cope.
Sit down with your kids and have them put forward a couple of academic goals for the semester.
Establish a quiet zone or zones at home where kids can do homework, without the distractions of TV, videos, music, etc.
Reassure children about safety measures in place to help keep them safe and healthy, and prepare them to stay safe by talking about socially distancing, washing their hands, and wearing a mask all day.
Be on the lookout for any emotional or physical changes after the start of the school year, so you can help them cope, or get professional help if needed.

All ACA-approved health insurance plans cover mental health needs, including therapy, inpatient services, and any medications needed. Get free quotes on plans with great coverage and affordable prices by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Mental Health Insurance For Children

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is February 1st – 7th, and we want to take this time to focus on the mental health of children. The CDC estimates that approximately 1 in 5 children are dealing with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, and unfortunately only 20% receive care. Untreated mental disorders and mental illness in children can lead to dropping out of school, substance abuse and even suicide. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for avoiding these outcomes, so finding a comprehensive health plan is an important step towards keeping your children safe and healthy, both physically and mentally.

A Growing Problem

Mental health claims have been on the rise since 2017. The pandemic has been making the problem worse, and even causing an increase in suicides. Children have been just as affected as adults by current events: they are now glued to screens for school, and are dealing with increases in cyberbullying and anxiety. Being isolated in their homes could be the reason behind a sharp increase in mental health crises among children. In fact, the CDC has reported that, from March through October of this year, the share of mental health-related hospital emergency department visits rose 24% for children ages 5 to 11, and 31% among adolescents ages 12 to 17, when compared to the same period in 2019.

ACA Mental Health Coverage

All Affordable Care Act (ACA)- approved health plans must cover essential mental health benefits, including:

Screening for mental health conditions
Behavioral treatment
Mental and behavioral health inpatient hospital services
Pre-existing mental and behavioral conditions
Substance use disorder treatment

The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 requires that insurance coverage cannot have more restrictive requirements for behavioral health coverage than it does for physical health like medical and surgical services. This means that you or your child can seek treatment such as group therapy, psychotherapy, and medications to help treat mental health issues in the same way that you would seek treatment for a physical ailment.

Employer-Based Coverage

paper in folder that says employee benefits package with a highlighter — *Employer coverage must have mental health health benefits, and you can check exactly what is covered in your summary of benefits.*

All employer-based plans must comply with ACA requirements for mental and behavioral health, including parity protection laws. If you have employer-based coverage, look at your plan’s summary of benefits to see what level of coverage you have for mental and behavioral health. If you find that your plan does not provide enough coverage, you can opt out of your employer’s plan and choose to purchase an individual health insurance plan instead.

You can also ask your employer about Employer Assistance Programs (EAPs), which can include mental health counseling and support. Some programs are available at no cost, and some employers might cover the fees if their health plan does not.

Individual Coverage

The ACA Marketplace or private insurance plans are great options for affordable coverage that meets your medical needs. All plans comply with ACA regulations on mental and behavioral health coverage, and it is possible to find a plan that offers more coverage or has lower copays if you speak with an EZ agent.

Unfortunately some families cannot find mental health care because of lack of providers in their area, or some cannot afford the cost of services. If you come to EZ, one of our agents will check each available plan’s network of doctors and medication costs to find a plan that is affordable and meets your needs. We will work with you to find an in-network mental health provider close to your area, and we will make sure that your medications are covered under your plan’s formulary. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

The Myths of Childhood Mental Health Illnesses

Children and adolescents experience mental health issues the same way adults do. The faster it is recognized, then the faster the treatment for the children, which will help them in the long run. Children’s mental illness is more common than most people think. One in five adolescents aged 13-18 have a serious mental illness. If it goes untreated, it can disrupt the kid’s home life, and ability to function in school and the community. Parents and teachers are usually the first ones to realize if there is a mental health issue with a child. It can be hard for a parent to accept that their child may have a mental health issue. There are signs to look for in a child so you can get them the appropriate help needed. And because mental illness and disorder is such a stigma, myths were created about them. Find out the signs and facts.

*One of the symptoms to look out for in mental illness is depression. Aggression and anxiety may accompany depression.*

Signs Of Mental Illness

Observing your child’s behavior is key to getting them the appropriate help. It is normal for kids to throw temper tantrums and be moody, because they are learning boundaries and the world around them. But a mental illness goes beyond the typical tantrums. Some signs that may require you to seek out professional help are:

Poor grades in school
Anxious
Hyperactivity
Persistent disobedience
Decline in school performance
Temper tantrums more than normal
Depressed or extra irritable
Aggressive

Myths & Facts

It is important to debunk mental health myths so that parents can get a better understanding of mental health. With the correct information, children can get effective treatment.

Myth: Bad parenting causes mental health disorders.

Fact: A kid’s home environment and relationship with their family is detrimental to their life and development. However, it does not cause a mental health disorder. Depression, autism, learning disorders, and anxiety is biological. It is not a parent’s fault.

Myth: Children need medication to take care of the issue.

Fact: Although medication is helpful, it takes more than that for a treatment plan. Attention, therapy sessions, and providing children with the necessary tools to cope and handle with stress and other factors is also important.

Myth: A mental health illness in a kid means they will struggle and not succeed.

Fact: Mental illness does not indicate a child’s future success and happiness. As long as the illness is caught early and treated so they can learn to manage it, then the child’s future is limitless.

Myth: Therapy is a waste of time.

Fact: This is the furthest thing from the truth. Therapy is very effective for a child to understand what is going on with them, how to cope with it, and how to manage their illness. There are different forms of therapy than just the talking to a therapist method. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing the feelings and thoughts associated with their illness. Doing this kind of therapy can change the kids outlook and symptoms related to their mental illness.

Myth: A child can just outgrow their mental illness.

Fact: If you put off seeking help for a child that needs it for their mental health issues, the harder it is to treat them as they grow older. A kid’s brain is more responsive to treatment rather than waiting until they become an adult.

*One in 5 kids have a mental health ilness. Make sure to pay attention, listen, and get them the help they need.*

Conditions and symptoms may worsen as the child gets older.

It is very important that a parent accepts that their kid may have a mental illness and be open-minded towards it. Children need the assurance that everything will be okay from their parents. Check in with your kid everyday when you can. Observe your child’s behavior and encourage them to talk about their day and their emotions. It is important to acknowledge a child’s emotions and listen to them when they talk. Talk about what is going on and help them understand what is going on with them. Early diagnosis and treatment can help a child greatly. It will help them reach their full potential.