Infants born during the pandemic scored lower on developmental skills as compared to those born before the pandemic. Suicide attempts spiked for youth ages 12-17 during the pandemic…and are still rising.

Had the nation’s health experts considered the impact of COVID-19 public health strategies on our youth? Did they consider the mental health toll that their language and use of morbid imagery could have on our most vulnerable?

In episode 180 I share distressing statistics concerning our infants, children and adolescents that have been reported over the last two years. And, who, if anyone can be held accountable?

NOTE: This episode makes mention of suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. Suicidal thoughts or actions, even in very young children, are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting “home” to 741 741.

Check out the links below for additional information on issues discussed in this episode:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/beltway/2015/09/16/obama-nudge-government/?sh=14334f6c2c99

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00027-4

https://evidencenotfear.com/grossly-unethical-government-nudge-unit-accused-of-scaring-the-public-over-covid-the-telegraph/

https://psyarxiv.com/y38m9

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/psych/articlepdf/2764584/jamapsychiatry_reger_2020_vp_200017_1603916109.97897.pdf

https://www.rt.com/news/547579-most-uk-covid-admissions-incidental/

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/882722/25-options-for-increasing-adherence-to-social-distancing-measures-22032020.pdf

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/youth-suicide-attempts-soared-during-pandemic-cdc-report-says-n1270463

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/research-highlights/2021/understanding-the-characteristics-of-suicide-in-young-childrenIf you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link.

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