The COVID-19 pandemic and pediatric mental health: advocating for improved access and recognition

Pediatric mental health has been poorly addressed and access to quality psychiatric care is limited in many countries around the world including wealthy nations. The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a strain on pediatric mental health resources across the globe. This was primarily due to the stress of lockdowns, loss of caregivers, and school interruptions, which further exacerbated the mental health needs of children. Despite their unreadiness, emergency departments have been utilized to address those needs. Kostopoulou et al. reported that, although emergency departments’ pediatric visits have decreased earlier during the pandemic, mental health visits increased during the same period.