Local therapist provides insight on isolation impacts and warning signs

Action News Now spoke with local mental health experts who shared insight about coronavirus isolation impacts and warning signs in children.

-- but not any earlier.

### as the coronavirus pandemic continues - there is little doubt that this is taking a toll on the mental health of not only adults but also children.

Action news now reporter kristian lopez spoke to local mental health experts today and shows us some of the impacts being felt here.

Kristian: what are some of the impacts being caused by this lack of connection?

Katy luallen/licensed therapist: i would say depression, people feeling hopeless, feeling like there's no reason to do anything.

Local therapist - katy luallen says this is especially alarming for children who are missing out on social interactions.

Katy luallen/licensed therapist: for kids - their lifeline is connection, so i really worry about the lack of connection for kids.

Kristian stand up: butte county behavioral health officials say they saw the highest number of crisis calls in october - right when schools reopened.

This chart shows that the number of calls increased by nearly 24% compared to last year!

They told me the majority of those calls were from teachers and parents who noticed warning signs within students.

Katy luallen/licensed therapist: i think isolation is a huge one, kids who are not talking about how hard it is or how they're hurting.

Most kids are having a hard time so if they aren't talking about having a hard time that is something to be concerned about.

When there is a sudden change and kids seem a lot better all of a sudden and they've been having a hard time.

That's a huge red flag it means that may have decided to do something.

We need to talk to our kids especially high school kids that if they have information about a friend who is struggling they are not betraying that friend they are likely saving that friend.

Kristian tag: butte county behavioral health officials say the number of calls continues to gradually increase and they want to stress that they are here to help!

Reporting in chico kristian lopez action news now coverage you can count on.

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