Unlocking the complexities of mental health is crucial, as it extends beyond the absence or presence of mental disorders. It is an integral component of overall well-being and is influenced by various factors.
The pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of teenagers, altering their academic performance and affecting their overall well-being. In this enlightening discussion with two young individuals, we delve into their experiences, coping mechanisms, and valuable advice for navigating these unprecedented times. Let us amplify the voices of these teens and shed light on the importance of addressing mental health in young minds.
Definition:
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
Key Facts:
Mental health is more than the absence or presence of mental disorders.
There is no health without mental health; is an integral part of health.
Mental health is affected by a range of socioeconomic, biological and environmental factors.
General Statistics:
More than 43 million Americans struggle with mental illness.
1 in 5 young people (age 13-18) has or will develop a mental illness in their lifetime.
Depression symptoms can impact performance in school and interfere with personal relationships
MENTAL HEALTH IN TEENS How would you describe your mental health before the pandemic and quarantine?
Female, aged 19 – Before the pandemic, my mental health was more stable than it is now.
Male, aged 18 – I’d like to say that I was in a great mental space at that time. All in all, immediately pre-covid was a great period for me.
Were your parent(s), guardians or family members supportive during the period? Please describe.
Female, 19 Yes and no. My father is supportive financially, but mentally and emotionally he is not.
Male, 18 They were really supportive. We even started having family ‘Games Night’ so we could take our minds off what was happening. My parents know I’m a workaholic, so they encouraged me to rest and have fun.
How would you describe yourself academically before the pandemic? And how does that contrast to how you are now?
Female, 19 Initially, I was keeping up with classes and doing work and doing really well. Now my grades have fallen and I have no focus whatsoever.
Male, 18 I’ve always been a high achiever, so covid couldn’t change that. All it did was give me the opportunity to learn more since so many resources got digitized.
Why do you think there was a change to how you perform in school vs now? Was the virtual environment a benefit to you?
Female, 19 I really find it hard to keep focused in online school. The environment is different and doesn’t encourage me to want to do anything school-related.
Male, 18 I still perform well in school. However, I have realized that there’s more to learn than what’s being taught in school. I have since shifted my focus to alternative learning tools, in order to develop some skills that I will use in university and the working world.
Did you use any coping mechanisms? Would you mind sharing it with us?
Female, 19 Yess. I started painting to keep my mind at ease. Now I’ve turned it into a business.
Male, 18 I started working out, about four months in the pandemic. I added morning jogs another six months in.
What advice would you give to other teens like yourself?
Female, 19 Try not to fall too far behind in school because it’s really hard to find any motivation to catch up
Male, 18 Ensure that you take time off to destress and gather your thoughts. We’re living in unprecedented times so don’t be too hard on yourself, take it easy.
Is there anything you would like the wider population to know in regards to approaching the mental health of teenagers in a pandemic?
Male, 18
Teenagers, no matter how tough they seem, are very fickle. Treat them with care and try to understand them. They need help too.
Special thanks to our interviewees.
In conclusion, the insights shared by our interviewees shed light on the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of teenagers. It is clear that the challenges faced during this time have affected academic performance, overall well-being, and the need for support from family and the wider community.
If you found this post informative or resonated with the experiences shared, we encourage you to leave a rating, like, or comment below. Your feedback and engagement help us continue to address important topics like teen mental health.
Thank you for being a part of this conversation. Check out part 2!!
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