[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi
Children and young adults struggle with depression, anxiety, and loneliness
Mental health issues are peaking in college students, teenagers, and children due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus pandemic, racism, inequality, political unrest. These are a few of the stress factors contributing to the increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness that most American college students have been feeling nowadays. Research by the Boston University (US) revealed that college students across the US show the highest levels of depression and anxiety.
The nationwide research surveyed nearly 33,000 college students during the fall 2020 semester. The results showed that half of the students screened positive for depression and/or anxiety. The study also demonstrated that two-thirds of college students struggle with loneliness, reflecting the pandemic and the imposed social distancing. Furthermore, 83% of students said their mental health had negatively impacted their academic performance within the past month.
The findings highlight the need for Universities to develop and apply tools to support students’ mental health needs. Also, institutions should provide students with mental health services that emphasize prevention, coping, and resilience. The teaching staff and faculty should also collaborate, with more flexible deadlines and a closer relationship with their students, reinforcing that they care about their students not just as learners but as people. The authors also emphasize the importance of disseminating information about mental health and wellness and what type of help students can find on campus.
Teenagers and children
The increased mental health challenges are not exclusive to college students. Children and teenagers are also being affected, and depression and anxiety are widespread. Being stuck at home, missing out on extracurricular activities, and not interacting with friends are factors that play a burden on children and teenagers.
A study conducted by the China Medical University (China) in 2020 surveyed 359 children and 3254 adolescents from seven to 18 years. Results showed that 22.3% of them had scores indicating clinical depressive symptoms. Another study published in 2020 conducted by the Miguel Hernández University (Spain) included 1143 parents of children aged 3 to 18. The research surveyed the parents on the quarantine effects on their children, compared to before the isolation. The problem is so big that the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an article for parents to help children cope with changes resulting from COVID-19. The text recommends parents try to keep children occupied, feel safe, and keep up with schoolwork as best as possible. Other recommendations are to monitor television, the internet, and social media viewing and try to make the kids keep in touch with their friends somehow.
by Chris Bueno
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