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Two of the populations at highest risk for mental health struggles related to the pandemic may also be the most overlooked when it comes to mental health treatment, according to both Walker and Gurwitch.

Children, who are taking on the weight of a global pandemic, the stress of their parents, the isolation from friends and the uncertainty around schooling, cannot just be thought of as \"resilient,\" according to Gurwitch, who specializes in child psychology.

\"Sometimes people say, 'Oh, kids are resilient,' but we can't just throw that out and assume that this is not an issue,\" she said. \"I really do think that we need to consider children's mental health right now more than ever.\"

\"One of the things that's gone down is the resources available for children's mental health, and the other issue is that caregivers and parents of our children are also at risk,\" Gurwitch added. \"We know that one of the most protective factors for children's mental health is a positive adult in their lives.\"

People of color are facing both a disproportionate impact due to the coronavirus and the upheaval surrounding instances of racial injustice and police brutality across the country.

African Americans, in particular, are already 10% more likely to experience serious psychological distress than other races, according to the Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health. Experts agree that these alarming statistics will only increase without elevated access to coping mechanisms.

\"The health problems have been persistent and because we've known about them, I think there's more anger and frustration now,\" said Walker, adding that the pandemic has also stripped away much of the social net for people. \"With those [networks] diminished now, I do think we can see increased mental health challenges for African Americans and for other communities.\"

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In addition to the health crisis and the crisis around racial injustices, Americans are also coping simultaneously with natural disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires.

With that in mind, both Walker and Gurwitch said they and other mental health experts are preparing for a mental health crisis that will last long after the virus is contained.

\"What we know about disasters and large-scale traumatic events in general, and a public health emergency is certainly a large-scale traumatic event, is that the mental health issues are often much larger and more long lasting,\" said Gurwitch. \"We need to be thinking about how we're going to address those currently, but also tomorrow and next week and next year.\"

\"All these things are happening that by themselves are an increased risk for mental health problems,\" she added. \"Put them together and stir and you've got a recipe for huge spikes in mental health.\"

If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. You can reach Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 (U.S.) or 877-330-6366 (Canada) and The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386.

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