Teenagers in the United States have become more likely to suffer from mental and drug problems. This is reported by The Washington Times with reference to the report of the independent non-profit organization FAIR Health, which studied the data of insurance organizations.
It is reported that in March 2020, the number of adolescents aged 13-18 who filed insurance claims after intentionally self-mutilating themselves due to mental disorders increased by almost 91 percent, after drug overdose – by 95 percent. In addition, during this period, adolescents began to seek psychological help almost twice as often.
The organization notes that adolescents were the most exposed to stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic. “School closures, the need for distance learning and social distancing from friends have become major sources of stress and loneliness,” the researchers emphasize.
In November 2020, a scientist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine concluded that the coronavirus pandemic had sparked an epidemic of mental illness. He also noted that people who already have mental disorders are more prone to contracting COVID-19.