As we all know COVID-19 started back in March, 2020. We all thought that we would have a 2 week break/lockdown, but that turned into almost 2 years of online school. As well as for others who aren’t in school, it turned into lockdowns all over the world. Including loss of jobs, education, and more. Over that time plenty of people have been affected by this emotionally, physically and mostly mentally. Although we are still adjusting to going back to in-person learning back in September, as well as reopening public places, many are still being affected.

COVID-19 has impacted our mental health in many negative ways. Many have been dealing with huge amounts of stress and strong emotions in both students and adults. Isolation made it hard for in-person communication as well as doing usual public activities. But learning how to deal with your stress and emotions can help your mental health significantly as well as others around you. Some helpful ways to deal with those problems are taking breaks from social media, taking care of your body/unwind and trying to socialize with others.

Conditions/Symptoms Include:

• Insomnia

• Anxiety

• Negative emotions

• Changes in appetite

• Difficulty with concentration

• Physical pain

As the pandemic continues, statistics have shown that 56% of young adults between the ages of 18-24 have been reportedly showing symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder. Even before the pandemic, young adults still had a higher risk of mental health disorders. Another study reported that 18% of those who tested positive for COVID-19 were diagnosed with a mental health disorder which includes mood or anxiety disorders. 

COVID-19 Information

Symptoms Include:

• Fever and Chills

• Cough or sore throat

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle and body aches

• Nausea and vomiting

Emergency Warning Signs Include:

• Pressure in chest area

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

In conclusion, we all have been dealing with this pandemic in our own personal ways. It is very important to be aware of your mental health especially during this pandemic where our mentality has changed drastically. The best thing to do for yourself is to find ways to keep your mentality and health in a positive position. Try experimenting new things that may interest you or find hobbies that make you feel happy and better about yourself. Self care is very important in today’s time, there is no problem with putting yourself first.

Ways to help your Mental Health

• Stay active

• Eat well and stay hydrated

• Keep in touch with others

• Take breaks when needed

• Explore your hobbies and interests

• Accepting who you are

• Caring for others

Most importantly, talk about your emotions and feelings to others. It is very important to be able to express how you feel and not keep it all built up inside. If you need help, there will always be someone there to help you whether they are a counselor, therapist, close friends, and etc.

For Renton High Students

If you ever need someone to talk to or need any assistance:

https://rentonhs.rentonschools.us/students/healthpoint

https://www.talkspace.com/rsd

Sources Used

https://www.who.int

https://www.cdc.gov

https://www.kff.org

https://www.mentalhealth.org