The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of our lives in an unpredictable way. Many adolescents have never experienced something this drastic, and as we’re seeing that it has definitely taken a toll on them. Mental health is not an easy topic to talk freely about, whether it be the stigma surrounding asking for help, or even just lacking the safe space to be able to talk about it freely. The pandemic has forced many of us to reconsider our priorities and view the trajectory of our lives in a different lens, and mental health should not be overlooked. It seems that now more than ever, it is crucial to prioritize our own health – both, physical and mental.
Many adolescents have been forced to deal with things that they have never encountered before. Such as adapting to school closures, missing time with family and friends, switching to new modes of learning, physical distancing, and quarantining alone at home. In a recent CDC study, it was revealed that the impact of the pandemic on teens was far greater for mental health setbacks, when compared to COVID-Respiratory ailments.
Many students and families thrive on interacting with their community and connecting with others can fuel them. Having to transition from what they knew as the norm to isolating themselves has an effect on people that many may not be able to see, but one that they can all feel.
Seeking help can feel complicated, it might even seem easier to just “deal with it.” However, at the end of the day if we are not taking care of ourselves, we cannot be expected to properly be present for others. Nowadays, finding mental health resources have become much easier. Below are two sites that many professionals recommend aiding you in the process of finding a mental health counselor:
- NYC Get Well : This is a service provided by our city that helps you filter centers by insurance, borough, and program focus. Simply click “Find Services” and then search for whatever service you are looking for, whether its therapy, grief counseling, or family counseling.
- Psychology Today : This is a search service that aids you in looking for therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment centers and it will filter by zip code and insurance.
It’s very easy to look past mental health concerns but taking care of ourselves and our family is key to making it out of this global pandemic. While there might still be stigma regarding mental health, we must prioritize taking care of ourselves fully, not just physically but mentally as well.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.