We’ve been in quarantine for almost a year. For almost a year we haven’t been able to freely go out with friends, or have life-changing experiences such as going on trips or having prom. Yet even with all that is going on students are still expected to perform as they did before the pandemic.
The CDC did a survey in June of 2020 which stated that since the pandemic stated:
- 31% of adults have reported struggling with anxiety or depression
- 26% of adults have reported struggling with trauma or stressor related disorders
- 13% of adults have started or increased substance abuse
- 11% of adults have seriously considered suicide
These numbers are higher for people of color and low income communities, as well as these numbers are doubled for teens.
Teens are already high risk for mental health issues,especially ones like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. With a pandemic thrown into a mix it’s no surprise that teens are struggling.
Students who are in high school during the pandemic are being put at a major disadvantage compared to their predecessors. Students that are online aren’t getting the same resources as in-person students. In-person students have to worry about whether their classmates and teachers are sick or not.
Students are still being held to the same standards that they were before the pandemic. But not all hope is lost. There are many other resources online that can be used to get through this pandemic. Virtual therapy has allowed students to get help online without risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Some of the highly rated virtual therapy programs include.
- Talkspace
- BetterHelp
- Teen Counseling
- Pride Counseling
For some more options and further elaboration on the pros and cons of each program at https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-therapy-4691206#best-overall-talkspace
