As students go back to classrooms and resume in person instruction, the latent mental and behavioral health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis will start to surface. We expect many questions will arise on what this possibly could look like for students, teachers and families and how these impacts can be addressed and mitigated. To help journalists and reporters tell this story, Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC) CEO Steve Eckert and Clinical Director Vicky Tamashiro are available for comment to educate the public on what is already being done to address the current mental health crisis and to share the expertise we have attained over decades of mental and behavioral health services provided at our public schools.
In a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in June 2020, researchers found that the incidence of acute stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and suicidal ideation in the US rose 3-4 times in 2020, compared to 2019. Nearly 41% of respondents experienced at least one adverse mental or behavioral health symptom during COVID-19 including: symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder (30.9%), symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder (TSRD) related to COVID-19 (26.3%), and having started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19 (13.3%). Individuals with pre-existing fragile mental health, financial struggles, or worries about employment were most likely to experience stress, anxiety, and/or depression, such as the type of stressors common in areas like East San Jose.
During the pandemic, ARCC’s counselors have continued providing individual counseling and support groups via telehealth. Their target community of East San Jose has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19, not only in terms of reported cases and deaths, but also the devastating financial impacts and associated mental and emotional strain. Yet, as bad as things have been, Clinical Director Vicky Tamashiro fears that the worst is yet to come, “I think we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg right now. The focus has been on physical health and of course, it should be. But, after we get back to a ‘normal’ routine and schools re-open, I think that kids are going to be dealing with major issues. The youngest children may experience fear and separation anxiety. In younger adolescents, we may see impacts due to the prolonged isolation. This is a time in their development when they should be focusing on independence and developing a sense of self, largely influenced by peers. But they have not been with their peers for a long time. Older kids have not been able to celebrate huge milestones such as graduation and proms, and they are not getting the same quality of education, which may impact them in college. Plus I predict a lot of post-bereavement issues because people did not get the chance to grieve, mourn, or say good-bye to their loved ones the way they wanted to. This is a huge mental health crisis and many do not realize the depth and intensity of the storm that is coming.”
Since 1974, ARCC has served high-need communities throughout Santa Clara County, with a focus on the Latinx and immigrant populations in East San José. Its 13 mental/behavioral health and educational support programs address risk factors including truancy/school failure, trauma, juvenile delinquency, gang activity, drug/alcohol use, and family violence. ARCC currently supports 12,000+ low-income youth & families annually.
Please contact Chief Development & Communications Officer Stacy Dryer for prompt stories and/or statements on any COVID-19 stories relating to education and mental health services in Santa Clara County.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Alum Rock Counseling Center
Stacy Dryer
(408) 930-2665
sdryer@alumrockcc.org
www.alumrockcc.org
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