Handling depression in young adults and children in isolation

CINCINNATI — Isolation brought on by the pandemic, in addition to the upcoming school year, may cause an increase in the number of childhood depression cases specialists see, and those specialists have had to come up with new ways of handling these cases.

In the past, some counselors would tell people struggling with depression to get out and socialize more with their peers, but quarantine and isolation has made that difficult.

"The things that we typically would tell kids or even adults to do to manage depression, they weren't able to do it," Carla Seeman, a counselor with Northeast Cincinnati Pediatrics Associates, said. "We're asking a lot of children who developmentally their task is actually to establish relationships."

Dr. Tracy Cummings with the Lindner Center of Hope said she thinks isolation caused many people and children to not seek treatment for their mental health.

"I think that's very important for people to not delay their care right now," Cummings said.

Because getting care early is so important, Cummings said she and other specialists started using video chat to reach the people who need treatment.

Other things people and children struggling with depression can do include:

· Increased physical activity or going outside
· Get on a healthy sleep schedule
· Stay off of screens
· If you have to be on a screen, try to have someone sit next to you.

Cummings also said people need to be more understanding of each other right now in these difficult times.

"We have to have a bit of grace towards each other," Cummings said. "A little empathy of what someone else may be experiencing in their particular household."

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, you can call the Lindner Center of Hope at 513-536-HOPE (4673), or you can visit the Northeast Cincinnati Pediatrics Associate's website here.