WEST SPRINGFIELD – The transition to remote learning has taken a toll on the mental health of parents and students, according to West Springfield High School Adjustment Counselor Kelli Quigley.

During an East Longmeadow School Committee meeting in mid-December, the counselor called in to discuss the rise in emails and phone calls she has received over the course of the school year.

“I am here to speak as an advocate for children and families, and to express concern for the surging mental health crisis we are experiencing as a result of this pandemic and related isolation,” Quigley said.

According to Quigley, who is also a licensed mental health provider in the community, there has been a “significant influx” of mental health referrals for children of all ages in East Longmeadow, and other surrounding towns.

Local pediatricians, parents, and school professionals are reporting mental health concerns, according to Quigley. These concerns include, decreased motivation, apathy, isolation, increased substance abuse, self-harm, academic disengagement and failing grades, suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety.

“The mental health needs are overwhelming, and far outweigh the available resources,” said Quigley. “I am finding that many, if not most, therapists in our area are at capacity, and with very long wait lists.”

The data that Quigley has received through the Psychology Today Platform of Referral between September and December is “alarming.” During those months, Quigley said that she has received 72 phone calls from parents and professionals seeking mental health services for children. During this time frame in 2019, according to Quigley, the number of phone calls she received for these same services was 17.

“I have received 31 emails from parents and professionals seeking mental health services for children,” said Quigley. “During this same time frame in 2019, the number of emails were five.”

Data from the Psychology Today Platform of Referral shows a 368 percent increase in the number of mental health referrals made to Quigley for mental health treatment between September to December of 2020, in comparison to the same time frame in 2019.

Quigley has also received an additional 68 phone calls from parents who have been referred through recommendations from pediatricians, self-referral, hospitals, and/or word-of-mouth. In total, Quigley has received 171 phone calls as one part-time mental health provider between September and December of this year. It has gotten to the point, Quigley said, where it has become difficult to answer everyone in a timely manner.

“There’s no doubt that most of us have experienced crisis and trauma to one degree or another as a result of this pandemic,” said Quigley.

Following a traumatic event, social and emotional stability is one of our basic needs for survival, according to Quigley. She believes that school is the perfect place for socialization, structure, mental stabilization, positive simulation, and academic growth.

“It’s very difficult for kids to achieve healthy social and emotional development when they cannot stabilize appropriately,” said Quigley. “While teachers and staff have been doing an excellent job in the most difficult of situations, remote learning cannot replicate the in-person learning and school environment.”

or those who are experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis, the Town of West Springfield has set up a link where residents can contact the Emergency Services Program/Mobile Crisis Intervention. Individuals can call their number at 1 (877) 382-1609. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year. Interested parties can also follow this link for more information: https://www.mass.gov/emergencycrisis-services.