Content warning: The following article includes discussion of self-harm and suicide.
“[The Kaiser Family Foundation] analysis of the Household Pulse Survey finds that throughout the pandemic, a large share of young adults…have reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder” (KFF). Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, students have experienced factors of social isolation, uncertainty, and the rapid decline of their physical and mental health. Many adolescents have been experiencing the symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders and require mental health help.
Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a common and severe mental health issue that negatively affects your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Depression can instigate notions of sadness and changes in activities one once enjoyed. Changes in appetite, either drastic weight loss or gain, are common in those who experience depression. The lack or abundance of sleep is moderately common, along with the loss of energy and severe fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and guilt are affected by depression. Extreme depression can cause dangerous thoughts or attempts of suicide or self-harm.
Anxiety is the feeling of fear, dread, or uneasiness. Meanwhile, anxiety disorders are conditions where your anxiety worsens over time. Anxiety symptoms can intervene with everyday activities. Some of the mental symptoms include uncontrollable intrusive thoughts and overthinking. They can impact your daily life by making you abnormally restless and tense. Examples of the physical symptoms of anxiety are a pounding chest, rapid heartbeat, unexplained aches and pains, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Changes in behavior and lack of interest in past activities can also be common symptoms.
With all the complex symptoms, it is often hard for students to identify when to seek guidance. You should request help immediately if you are thinking or acting on self-harmful or suicidal thoughts. It is beneficial to look to external assistance when your grades drop, when you are experiencing frequent and extreme mood changes, excessive crying, or even concerned parents. Don’t be afraid to consider further support if you feel the need to talk to a professional confidentially.
If you have identified that you may need extra help, a free mental health resource is the Crisis Text Hotline where you can instantly connect with a counselor by texting HOME to 741741 on your phone. The Maryland Statewide Safe Schools Tip Lineis an anonymous and free reporting system that can report any student safety or mental health concern by dialing 833-MD-B-SAFE (833-632-7233). The Maryland Helpline is available 24/7 to supply support, guidance, and assistance, by calling the number 211 or texting 898-211. If you are in imminent danger, call 911, the national emergency medical assistance number, to receive immediate help.
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