Covid-19 pandemic has been linked to many negative impacts such as isolation and job losses, loneliness, and poor mental health outcome. Due to the stresses of Corona virus pandemic, many teenagers have experienced feelings of isolation and depression. This research therefore seeks to explore the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on adolescents’ isolation and suicide rates.
Tanaka, Takanao, and Shohei Okamoto. “Increase in Suicide Following an Initial Decline During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan.” Nature Human Behavior, vol. 5, no.2, 2021, pp. 229-238. Web.
Tanaka and Okamoto researched how uncertainty, fears, precautionary isolations, and economic disruptions due to COVID -19 pandemic could increase suicidal risks and deteriorate psychological health in adolescents. Their peer-reviewed journal article outlines the effects and gives details on the overall suicidal rates in adolescents, adults, and children after the outbreak of the pandemic and the possible reasons for the outcomes. The research shows a decline in suicidal cases during the first wave and a subsequent increase in the second wave.
This journal article offers analysis and a reality check on COVID 19 outbreaks, their effects on people’s psychological and mental health, and suicidal fatalities. The chapters in this book also give the government precautions for the long-term suicide preventive measures since the modifiers during the pandemic may not be sustained. Furthermore, this research study gives research results and advises on public health to put up measures for effective suicidal prevention.
This resource can be included in the school curriculum for health classes and the public health sector education programs. Several parts address the effects of COVID 19 on adolescents and other groups, possible reasons for the decline, and increased suicidal rates during different COVID 19 waves. Therefore, health practitioners can easily apply these data to locate the most vulnerable groups and put measures to prevent suicidal cases.
Thompson, Elizabeth C., et al. “Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents Pre-and Post-COVID-19: A Historical Chart Review and Examination of Contextual Correlates.” Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, vol. 4, 2021, pp. 1-4. Web.
Thompson et al. researched and concluded that suicide attempt rates and people with suicidal thoughts rates in the covid-19 period were higher among adolescents compared to the rates recorded in the previous year. The hospitalized adolescents who had psychiatric issues were stressed by several factors arising from the Covid-19 effects. These were financial problems, missing special events, changes in living conditions, and in-home conflicts due to Covid-19.
The findings of this investigation serve as a wakeup call for the government and families to realize that apart from the economic effects of Covid-19, the whole society is affected psychologically. Therefore, there is a need for all stakeholders to make their contribution in salvaging the situation. This observation is essential in the health sector of a country. In the next few years, the Covid-19 effects are likely to be felt across the board. With this information, the government will be able to plan immediately and have long-term plans to control the effects of Covid-19.
The information in this book can be used for curriculum purposes to enlighten students on the effects of Covid-19 to adolescents. Such information is essential in preparing the younger generation for such occurrences in future. Before Covid-19, the world did not plan or predict what to do incase such a pandemic hit. With all the information on Covid-19 now, all governments must be ready for such uncertain events in future. They not only need to plan for the economic effects of pandemics but also focus should be on the social and psychological effects.
References
Tanaka, Takanao, and Shohei Okamoto. “Increase in Suicide Following an Initial Decline During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan.” Nature Human Behavior, vol. 5, no.2, 2021, pp. 229-238. Web.
Thompson, Elizabeth C., et al. “Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents Pre-and Post-COVID-19: A Historical Chart Review and Examination of Contextual Correlates.” Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, vol. 4, 2021, pp. 1-4. Web.