Some Mississippi parents say they’re glad their children are returning to in-person learning at school. But one expert says it’s not without anxiety for some.
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According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 4 out of 10 adults nationwide are experiencing anxiety and depression associated with COVID-19. Dr. Susan Buttross, a pediatric professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center says they’re seeing massive increases in the need for mental health care.
Nya, David and Robin Crudup
“I’ve had calls from several parents who are unsure as to what to do, how to keep their children safe. They know they want their children back in school but at the same time they are hearing about the hospitalizations,” said Buttross.
Buttross says some parents are immunocompromised and concerned about infecting their children or getting COVID-19 from them. Others face work and childcare dilemmas when kids are quarantined. Andrea Crudup, a mother of three, says her children start school today in Jackson. She says they pray as a family to avoid giving into fear.
“Just knowing the situation has been getting worse and worse, it’s not an easy thing to deal with at all. The fact that this time around it’s affecting way more children is an even harder thought for us,” said Crudup.
Ethel Pittman has four children, three of whom start school in Hinds County Wednesday. She’s supplying them with masks, sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
“We have to all do our part. When they’re in school I think the teachers should make sure they're six feet apart, three feet apart, whatever their expectations are,” said Pittman.
Dr. Susan Buttross says they’re using telehealth services to help families in need of counseling. She adds if young children are acting out they could be dealing with anxiety and depression as well.
