Since quarantine began, research has shown that mental health has worsened significantly. Reports from the CDC and other researchers such as the National Institute for Health found an increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts since the pandemic began.

Students are being especially hit hard due to the loss of community the pandemic has brought. Not being able to gather has led to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness among teens. These challenging feelings make school even more difficult for students to navigate school.

Many students who are currently suffering from anxiety or depression find the motivation to complete schoolwork  overwhelming. It is not that the students want to fail their classes, it is that there is too much already burdening their minds.

Worsened mental health can manifest itself as insomnia, loss of appetite, loss of interest in usual hobbies, “foggy” thinking, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fidgeting, intrusive thoughts, irritability, and numbness.

There are potential outlets here at Abington High School, Ms. Daisy of the Health and Wellness Department is helping teach students how to do just that. “We do meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery, mandala coloring, chair yoga and mindful walks- pre-Covid we tried aromatherapy and mindful eating, Daisy said.

In the Mind Body Spirit class, Daisy said, “We do yoga every week along with all of the others listed above. The classroom part of that class emphasizes the importance of me time, creating your own happiness, expressing gratitude and ending the stigma of mental health.”

It is important to note that, while these options are good, they are not automatic guarantees of “fixing” mental health. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to healing from collective trauma and mental health.  Every student responds to it differently.  Some students might find that therapy or prescribed medication are more effective.

Just remember that “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It’s important that you carve out time every day to take time for yourself to do things that bring you peace and happiness,” Daisy said.