Dumbstruck was the only way to describe my emotions when the broadcaster informed us of the shut-down. All I could think about was, “how has this happened?” The world begins to become a blur and I can not get my mind to stop thinking of no socialization, school, or activities. I know that my anxiety attack is coming but I attempt to subdue my thoughts with a hope that it will not last long. Oh how can this be? My hands begin to shake and the tears begin to form, finally I break down and lose all the composure that I once possessed.
During the trying times of COVID-19 several individuals’ mental health has been negatively impacted from the feeling of isolation, desperation, and utter fear. As people waited in their homes, friends, family, jobs, and joy were snatched away from each of them because of the ruthless course of COVID-19. Ultimately, there was a noticeable change in the mental health of youth as they were severely impacted in every aspect of their life.
A study done by Mission Harbor Behavioral Health demonstrated that out of 1500 teenagers 7 out of 10 teenagers were facing a mental health illness 50% with anxiety, 43% depression, and 45% with stress. The younger generation has been challenged with a circumstance unlike their parents, grandparents, or even great grandparents. As a result, there has been an increase in forms of stress and depression as the youth deals with issues of trying to continue to find normalcy even though their lives have been uprooted.
As a society, parents and authority must continue to help youth work through their emotions by openly asking questions and forming a bond that allows for open communication. By continuing to care for the younger generation, individuals can raise leaders from the ashes of our struggling society who are empowered to learn from mistakes and be actively caring for others.
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Source: sbtreatment.com/blog/teen-mental-health-covid-19/
Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Parent
