BY KENNEDY OGDEN, BELLA BLACK AND GABBIE SARGENT ith COVID-19-19 numbers increasing, the truth about our reality is becoming more apparent, which has become a struggle for many. Seeing the whole dynamic of the world switch in just seven months has been daunting and has affected teens in ways that have caused an increase in mental health issues.
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Living in Fear COVID-19-19 has brought a whole new aspect to life that most people never imagined. The virus strikes fear in some people because they do not know the outcome or impact it will have on their lives. According to the CDC, “fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.” Not knowing when the pandemic end may make some people feel trapped. Feeling trapped and having no way to get away from the thing that is imposing fear makes people depressed and helpless which ends up deteriorating their mental health. “I fear that this will go on forever and this will become our new normal. But it’s more anger that I feel because COVID-19 has taken so much away from us as seniors,” senior Olivia Beckett said. The CDC states, “Feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and other emotional or financial stresses are known to raise the risk of suicide. You may be more likely to experience these feelings during a crisis like a pandemic.” When struggles like this happen and it feels as if there is no escape, some people turn towards suicide to end the fear and anxiety. According to a CDC survey conducted in August on how
Dark Side of the Pandemic
Shielding from the stresses of COVID-19. Artwork by Kennedy Ogden.
the COVID-19-19 pandemic is affecting Americans’ mental health, 75% of respondents 18-24 reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health symptom. Twenty-five percent of respondents in this age group seriously considered suicide in the 30 days be-
10 BLUEPRINTS NOVEMBER 2020
fore completing the survey.” The risk of a higher suicide rate has increased during the pandemic. With an increase in stressors, it has been hard for many to keep their mental health in check. Aside from the pandemic, teens have had an increased suicide rate in
the past few decades. Living in Isolation With new precautions put in place due to COVID-19-19, people are forced to stay home and socially distant from others. This is becoming harmful for teens who are starting to feel isolated and alone. According to the CDC, “Social distancing can make some people feel isolated and lonely.” Senior Lulu Yearling, who is currently a remote student, said being online can be an isolating experience. “It is hard to see other people at school socializing all day,” Yearling said. College students, in particular, are challenged with feeling isolated while living away from home for the first time. Granville alumna Maria Law is currently on campus at OSU, but almost all of her schooling is online. She has said that with social distancing rules she has felt somewhat lonely on campus, usually only seeing her roommate and teammates. “We don’t spend much time out of our [dorms], so if we’re feeling anxious about school or lonely, it’s difficult to see friends,” Law said. Missing out on Milestones COVID-19-19 has had a toll on high school students who have missed out on experiences that people used to take for granted, even experiences some never got to have. In the past seven months, high school students have missed a multitude of milestone events. “I’m upset that we are not able to have normal senior celebrations like Homecoming, Prom and Graduation," Beckett said. These milestones are, as district social work Paul
