6 minute read
COVER STORY
BY KENNEDY OGDEN, BELLA BLACK AND GABBIE SARGENT With COVID-19-19 numbers increasing, the truth about our reality Dark Side the past few decades. Living in Isolation With new precautions put in place due to COVID-19-19, is becoming more apparent, people are forced to stay 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 of the home and socially distant from others. This is becoming harmful for teens who are starting to feel isolated and alone. teens in ways that have According to the CDC, caused an increase in mental health issues. Living in Fear COVID-19-19 has brought a Pandemic “Social distancing can make some people feel isolated and lonely.” Senior Lulu Yearling, who is currently a remote student, whole new aspect to life that said being online can be an most people never imagined. isolating experience. The virus strikes fear in some “It is hard to see other people because they do not people at school socializing know the outcome or impact all day,” Yearling said. it will have on their lives. Ac- College students, in parcording to the CDC, “fear and ticular, are challenged with anxiety about a new disease feeling isolated while living and what could happen can away from home for the first be overwhelming and cause time. strong emotions in adults and Granville alumna Maria children.” Law is currently on campus
Not knowing when the pan- at OSU, but almost all of demic end may make some her schooling is online. She people feel trapped. Feeling has said that with social trapped and having no way to distancing rules she has felt get away from the thing that somewhat lonely on campus, is imposing fear makes people usually only seeing her roomdepressed and helpless which mate and teammates. ends up deteriorating their “We don’t spend much time mental health. out of our [dorms], so if we’re
Advertisement
“I fear that this will go on feeling anxious about school forever and this will become or lonely, it’s difficult to see our new normal. But it’s more friends,” Law said. anger that I feel because COVID-19 has taken so much Missing out on Milestones away from us as seniors,” COVID-19-19 has had a senior Olivia Beckett said. toll on high school students
The CDC states, “Feelings of who have missed out on isolation, depression, anxi- experiences that people used ety, and other emotional or to take for granted, even financial stresses are known to raise the risk of suicide. You Shielding from the stresses of COVID-19. Artwork by Kennedy Ogden. experiences some never got to have. In the past seven may be more likely to experi- months, high school students ence these feelings during a the COVID-19-19 pandemic is fore completing the survey.” have missed a multitude of crisis like a pandemic.” affecting Americans’ mental The risk of a higher suicide milestone events.
When struggles like this health, 75% of respondents rate has increased during the “I’m upset that we are not happen and it feels as if 18-24 reported at least one pandemic. With an increase able to have normal senior there is no escape, some adverse mental or behavioral in stressors, it has been hard celebrations like Homecompeople turn towards suicide health symptom. Twenty-five for many to keep their mental ing, Prom and Graduation," to end the fear and anxiety. percent of respondents in this health in check. Aside from Beckett said. According to a CDC survey age group seriously consid- the pandemic, teens have had These milestones are, conducted in August on how ered suicide in the 30 days be- an increased suicide rate in as district social work Paul 10 BLUEPRINTS NOVEMBER 2020
Williams likes to call it, being “thrown by the wayside.”
Williams said these events in a young adult’s life are important.” “They are a part of helping us understand where we are at,” Williams said.
Williams also brought up the importance of milestones related to holidays. “[We ] can’t just replace them and say okay [let’s] do an online version!” he said. “[People] really have to make the effort because we do need those moments to step away from the regular routine and acknowledge things that are important.”
As the world still continues to battle this pandemic no one knows what else people will have to miss out on. What is the most important in this time is to make the most of opportunities.
NEXT STEPS
Students may need to get professional help. Williams, who is working with the district through a partnership with Ohio Guidestone, provides mental health services for students.
With increased amounts of stress, mental health can easily decline. Although Williams is always available to help students, he offered some advice for students who want to work on their mental health on their own.
Williams says the key to getting through the pandemic regarding social aspects is living in the moment.
“Stay in the moment. Find things to appreciate,” Williams said.
The importance of slowing down and being present is becoming prominent in the midst of a pandemic. For those at home, being present has become a difficult task. This is also an issue for people that are more immersed in the world during school or work.
With varied personalities in a pandemic, Williams said there are “different challenges for different people.” The challenge that students and teachers are facing is different learning experiences. For some, this issue is affecting their mental health, but for others like Yearling, they are finding ways to cope.
“I’ve found myself kind of regressing back into some of my middle school interests,” said Yearling.
Yearling has been immersing herself in reading and watching TV shows she is familiar with to feel less lonely.
Another way to stay connected with people and feel less lonely is to reach out.
According to the CDC, “You can be social, but do it from a distance, such as reaching out to friends by phone, text, video chat, and social media.”
The common connection between both sides of this issue is no one has experienced their life like this. Many people feel alone in the way that they are coping, feeling stressed, or feeling sad. The reality is that even if someone is struggling in a different way, they still want to talk. Williams suggested, “Keep talking to people.” BY KENNEDY OGDEN
1How are feeling physically? Mental illnesses can manifest in the way you feel physically, causing headaches, stomach issues, dizziness and tiredness.
2How are your eating habits? Low appetite can be a sign of depression or other mental health issues. If you feel your appetite has decreased, keep track of whether you are eating a full meal during meal time or not.
3Are you sleeping? Sleep helps a multitude of things, including brain function. If you are tired it makes tasks for the day harder to complete. When this happens it can leave you feeling stressed or helpless.
4What is making your head feel cloudy? It is important to know what you’re struggling with subconsciously. Avoiding stressors can cause your body to react in different ways, like headaches or lack of focus/ motivation.
5What brought you excitement today? Thinking about the small things like making your bed, picking out a good outfit, or even making a good breakfast can impact how you view yourself and make you feel less bleak. If you have answered these questions and are experiencing some of the struggles of a mental health issue, reach out to a teacher, parent or friend. If you would like to talk about this anonymously, reach out to 1-800-720-9616, Ohio’s new hotline for emotional support in the pandemic.
