Mental Illness; many are considering this an increasingly worrisome epidemic being seen more often in age ranges 12-25. Illnesses such as anxiety and depression are being seen in young people like never before. The coronavirus has played a big role in this sudden spike, with constant isolation causing high school students to feel sadness and anxiety like never before. Negative thoughts about the future, their studies and even their bodies have sparked eating disorders and depressive episodes.
Wootton High School senior Salma Younis, has struggled with depression and an eating disorder her whole life – COVID-19 has done nothing but amplify it. “Being at home all day makes me unmotivated, and I use my eating disorder as a way to cope with my depression,” Younis said. Many students felt like without socialization and after school activities, they did not have anything to keep them happy and motivated.
There is also a very large stigma around Mental health. “People who have never experienced it have a very hard time understanding how I feel,” Younis said. She explained how when trying to confide in her parents, they invalidate her experiences, claiming she is being lazy. This stigma has been growing just as fast as the actual illnesses themselves, and definitely puts a dent in the progress being made to spread mental health awareness.
Richard Montgomery High School junior Jordan Weiss has also struggled with depression, and has seen spikes in it due to quarantine. “I definitely felt myself fall deeper into depression being stuck in a room for months.” Weiss said. She noted that the lack of routine has really made it easier for her to fall into this mindset.
“It’s really hard for me to get out of bed not only to eat, but also to do basic everyday tasks like change my clothes or brush my hair,” Weiss said. These everyday tasks that are expected of us become challenging for people struggling with mental illness. Seeing people on social media casually throw around words like depression and anxiety is triggering for people, because it’s not the same as feeling sad or worrying.
Schools’ response or lack thereof is something to consider. “Schools provide some support and academic leeway, but I don’t think they are doing enough from a mental health support standpoint,” Younis said. Students feel as if the pressure of school in the virtual world is too much, which is why many schools have introduced outlets to get extra help from your teachers and have accommodations like a 504 plan for people with serious mental illness.
“I feel like RM has always put some effort into talking about mental health, but they aren’t doing enough in this online period, which is when it matters most,” Weiss said.
Students feel supported by schools and staff, but the stigma around mental health may be halting serious progress that many are saying must finally be made.
Article by Delaney Crawley of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Nyomi Fox of Walter Johnson High School