Mental Health Crisis Amid Covid
Meghan T.
As COVID-19 spread throughout the globe and left the world devastated, another epidemic was spreading as well, one that had been around for centuries, but began escalating during these unprecedented times. Particularly in the U.S, the mental health crisis only got worse. This crisis is a blatant issue that affects many, yet there seem to be no solutions offered. I firmly believe that the U.S. is not doing enough to combat this ongoing mental health crisis that has left the United States in peril.
Throughout the peak of covid, mental health for everyone was on a decline. The already damaging mental health crisis only increased during these times. Before the pandemic, there was a survey conducted about mental health. About 11% of adults in the survey reported some symptoms of anxiety or a depressive disorder. After the pandemic, the same survey was conducted, and around 41% of these adults reported some of these symptoms. Looking at these statistics, I can see a clear and increasing issue. It is also necessary to look at people around my age group and consider factors that affect them. Schools and universities shut down, many people lost their jobs, and everyone’s lives changed dramatically. All of these factors contribute to poor mental health. Around 56% of people aged 18–24 reported some symptoms of anxiety or depression during covid. It is clear from these statistics that mental health was at an all-time low for many during this time. This fact becomes even more stark when comparing the United States to other countries. The U.S. is one of the leading countries in mental health issues despite the country claiming to care about mental health. Seeing these statistics, it is clear there is an issue. Yet, not much has changed.
In my experience, mental health was taught in an unproductive manner. I recall a brief slide deck in health class about the importance of mental health with no further discussions. This brief lesson on mental health was taught to me by a teacher who was not educated on the topic themself. This measly way of educating students about mental health has negative long-term effects. A lack of education creates further stigmatization about mental health.
There needs to be a more comprehensive course surrounding mental health. I think it is clear that the U.S. is not doing enough to address the mental health crisis in our nation. It is frustrating to see mental health discarded, especially as someone in the younger generation. More often than not, teenagers are not taken seriously regarding mental health. This disregard creates more division and results in many young people not getting the help they need.
At times in my life, when I have grappled with issues, I did not know where to turn. Truthfully, I still don’t. I have seen friends in desperate need of some sort of treatment unable to get it. Whether it be out of fear or lack of resources, they do not get treatment. It does weigh on you, seeing all of these problems go unsolved, especially when you know that there are ways to improve these systems.
Throughout the pandemic, when mental health was at a low point for many teenagers, they could have been able to better self-manage it if they had a comprehensive education to back them up. Or, at the very least, they would have been more comfortable reaching out. That is why I believe further education is the first step the U.S. could take in eliminating the stigmatization of mental health.
The U.S. also needs to implement further resources to help with mental health issues. Even if someone wants to receive help, it is challenging to do so. In my experience at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, there are resources available like the Teen Health Center, which any student can turn to if they need help. However, this center isn’t always sufficient and doesn’t always satisfy the needs of students. The school also doesn’t promote it enough to students. During my first year at the school, I was unaware this resource existed, or that it was also for mental health issues. I only learned about it during the infamous mental health slide deck where there was a short sentence explaining that we could go to this center with any issues. This example isn’t just indicative of my personal experience, or even just the experiences of my peers. I think what happens at CRLS represents a pattern in the country. Just like CRLS, in most schools throughout the U.S. there are few resources available, and even those resources are insufficient to meet the need of those students who students who access them.
It seems to me that higher authorities pretend to care about mental health and prioritize it, but it’s clear that it’s all a facade.
I believe it’s also important as I discuss my own experiences with mental health resources to discuss the disparities of mental health resources in different areas. Those in neighborhoods with higher poverty rates tend to receive unequal treatment to those in wealthier areas. It’s estimated that in younger children experiencing poverty who require mental health care, less than 15% receive services. These areas in poverty tend to have higher rates of mental health issues as well, making this lack of treatment even more severe. The few treatment areas that are available in poorer neighborhoods are not nearly as comprehensive as those in wealthier areas. Those who are a part of racial, ethnic, gender based, or sexual orientation based, minorities also receive lesser treatment. In addition, minority groups are the ones most impacted by COVID-19 and the pandemic.
I’m assured that If there were more of mental health resources available during the pandemic, the result wouldn’t have been as devastating. The inequalities baked into the American Health System are damaging and one of the biggest reasons that the U.S. is currently in a mental health crisis. Through the act of implementing more centers for mental health in these needed areas, in particular, a big change could be seen.
From my own experiences and examining statistics, it is clear that the U.S.has not taken sufficient action to combat the mental health crisis that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health is such an important issue, not only to me but to everyone. We all have issues regarding our mental health. It affects the way we live both positively and negatively. This crisis is particularly important to me because I have seen the way that having poor mental health can damage a person. These factors are why I believe mental health should be a priority for the U.S. government.