
"Surge in Youth Antidepressant Prescriptions Post-COVID Raises Concerns"
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in mental health-related prescriptions, with a 12% increase in 2022 compared to 2019, outpacing the growth in overall prescriptions. The pandemic has exacerbated the country's mental health crisis, with a significant rise in anxiety and depression levels, particularly among marginalized communities. Financial barriers and a shallow labor pool have made it difficult for some individuals to access mental health medications and treatment. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for increased support for mental health programs and reinforced social support systems.

