Hello, Can I please get an assist with a review of my essay and three areas of weakness and improvement. Thank you
Maira Batres
Date: March 22, 2025
Instructor: Jean Arkens
Course: ENG102
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has left a massive impact on the lives of many all around the world including mental health. Although adults, children, and teens were affected in significantly impacted teens. The changes that the pandemic caused in daily routines, social isolation, family, and virtual school triggered depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental disorders among teenagers all over America. The pandemic left teenagers vulnerable, and it is time for society to examine teen mental health after the pandemic to make choices that will provide teenagers, parents, and communities with support to solve the crisis in America.
Ten years before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in mental health among children and teenagers. According to the American Psychological Association teen health increased by 40% in the areas of depression and anxiety. This shift was caused by several changes that were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, many teens lost their parents, family members, and friends to the virus. According to the national library of medicine about 10.5 million globally teens lost their parents or caregivers. The isolation away from friends, school, and their activities. The uncertainty and fear of the pandemic caused in teens left them feeling hopeless and sad with no future to look forward to.
For many teens and preteens when the pandemic occurs, they are still developing their social, emotional and cognitive thinking. This information is based off an article named "The pandemic hurt teens; how can we help them?" For many teens the pandemic caused the mental health disorders that they were already present struggling with, the pandemic only increased their symptoms and made them worse. Everything that they had access to too suddenly was cut off including support for their mental health. This meant that the sudden changes to close the schools, they lost their support system like staff and peers that would assist them with their day and other stressors of life that were happening in the lives of the teens or just social interactions that made them happy. These types of developments are crucial for a teen who is still developing their minds and social skills. As human beings we need this kind of interaction to feel feelings of hope and happiness.
Not only were teens faced with school shutdowns, but they also had to face problems at home. Many parents and caregivers were significantly under a lot of stress and pressure, this was due to loss of jobs, unable to pay the bills, isolation and loss of family members and friends to the coronavirus. The uncertainty of the future caused adults in the home to abuse the teens at home.
In an article that was published in 2025 by the American phycologist association stated that 11% were being abused physically and 55% were being emotionally abused by a parent or caregiver. This abuse led to anxiety and depression as well as an increase in PTSD. The LGBT community in teens was also suffering at a higher rate, this include female teens these events were happening due to the high rates of online bullying. (American phycologist association).
Economic status also contributes to thoughts of sadness and hopelessness. Many of these teens depended on the system to eat, transportation and support. For many it was difficult to obtain a meal and school supplies which could lead to anxiety. Online learning was sometimes difficult for teens because it's a new process that they had to learn how to adjust and without support from school staff many were left at home without any support to this process. This learning curve left many feelings unaccomplished, unloved, and sad. The adults are many of these teens were not emotionally available to care for and to provide for these children, which can be scary and filled with uncertainty.
Fast forward to 2025, five years later there was a shortage of mental health facilities, psychologists and lack of education for schools and parents. Not only is there a shortage but we are lacking funding, low pay for mental health professionals and lack of resources for communities, especially minorities. There is also stigma and barriers in the minority community that make difficult for many Hispanics, black and indigenous people to be open to mental health services. In an article publishes by the American counseling association it describes the lack of shortage not only for psychologist but for mental health professionals. To go furthermore COVID- 19 changed the way we communicated with others, it changed the way we mental health professionals provided services, and these factors also contributed to the mental health care professional, and it altered their mental health. Two years after the pandemic many mental health professionals were experiencing a bigger case load with no additional pay. As set back on insurance payments, there was also an increase in obtaining a mental health license because of the high demand in the industry. The shortage of psychologists and mental health professionals has left many facilities in drought and in need of some serious government funding. According to psychology today 47% of America live in an area short of psychologists. Not all psychologists accept Medicaid which makes it more difficult to obtain services because of the limited options available. Mental health clinics are in huge demand because they are currently turning down 56% of new patients due to the increase demand, this also means that their current patient's situation is causing the two to have worser symptoms. This is according to the npr website.
Due to the need for psychologists and mental health professionals, teens are being taken to their primary doctor where they are being prescribed medication for their anxiety and depression without proper treatment or diagnosed. They are sometimes even put in hospitals where it's taking them weeks to receive services and delaying their treatment to improve at a higher and better rate. This is alarming and unacceptable; their lives are being disrupted with nowhere for them to turn. Their caregivers and schools are not equipped to recognize signs in the teens to be able to help sooner be diagnosed.
Creating a safe place for students to be heard and seen requires training and many parents/caregivers are not able to provide that for their teens, including staff members, who most of the time won't know s sign when they see one. Also, with American in need of both facilities and mental health care professional and facilities were can parents and caregivers turn to when do they do see the signs in teens. I believe this is where we have to tun to the government. There has to be a change in the system and a new system has to be in place.
In September of 2024 the Joe Biden administration funded 68.5 million to address the mental crisis in America. According to America phycologist the funding will address the cris in America and help under serve communities. This funding was approved because Americans were suffering in the substance abuse area, and the money was intended for that specific solution. There was nothing in this 2024 funding that provided funding facilities for teens and mental health professionals. According to National Association of School Psychologist in some states, like California, Utah, Colorado there is 1 phycologist for 500 to 1,000 students. In other states like Arizona, Kansas and Oregon there is 1 psychologist for 1,000-500 students.
While we wait for a change in the government to fund or build more structure to the mental health industry. There are some solutions that caregivers and parents try to help build independence in children. In an article in the StandTogether the U.S prevention task force had a recommendation for parents/caregiver for children 8years and older. Thid recommendation encouraged parents/caregivers to help their children build independence in situations is reachable for children. For example, allowing children to go tricker treating alone, walking or biking with friends, playing at the park with a friend. These types of activities will help children grow up to have self-confidence. Skenazy says hypervigilance is the norm today and that parents believe their children are fragile. Fear and anxiety are keeping them from letting their children out of sight, but it hasn't always been this way. In 1969, nearly 48% of children walked or biked to school on their own. In 2009, it wasn't quite 13%. Skenazy points to a 1979 parenting book in which the author tells parents their 6-year-old should be able to ride their bike alone around the neighborhood or to the store.
Educating and building skills for staff members to help young people thrive. For example, the government can fund more training in the symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. These can minimize some of the struggles in the classroom even teachers understood mental illness to an extent. A mental health department in school is like a counselor when young teens can have a safe place to speak about their problems.
Another solution to the mental crisis in young people is resources for the families of young people. This can be anywhere from education around mental health because stigma stems around in minority communities, these communities need to be the ones where more resources and places to turn for help with their teens and even themselves. Although this might be a more difficult goal to reach because of the stigma the attempt is what matters. Making a resourceful structure with more mental health professionals that have similar backgrounds and can relate to communities.
Making schools more affordable and with more online accommodations for people who have a passion for mental health. This can help make school more achievable, especially for adults who are trying to maintain a full-time job and maintain a life while getting an education. Having more professionals in the field can decrease the crisis in mental health for teens.
Covid- 19 left many teens with mental health to struggle with and overcome it also opened the door for change in the system and how we view mental health. Understanding the struggles that children face who are now teens during the pandemic it gives us a better understanding of the changes we need to make as a society. Understanding solutions that can make a difference in other people's lives is will great better opportunities for young teens when they become adults.
Work Sites: A Solution To The Student Mental Health Crisis: Independence
The Pandemic Hurt Teens. How Can We Help Them Recover?
Kids' mental health is in crisis. Here's what psychologists are doing to help
Survey: Psychologists keep long waitlists as they struggle to meet demand : Shots - Health News : NPR
Maira Batres
Date: March 22, 2025
Instructor: Jean Arkens
Course: ENG102
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has left a massive impact on the lives of many all around the world including mental health. Although adults, children, and teens were affected in significantly impacted teens. The changes that the pandemic caused in daily routines, social isolation, family, and virtual school triggered depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental disorders among teenagers all over America. The pandemic left teenagers vulnerable, and it is time for society to examine teen mental health after the pandemic to make choices that will provide teenagers, parents, and communities with support to solve the crisis in America.
Ten years before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in mental health among children and teenagers. According to the American Psychological Association teen health increased by 40% in the areas of depression and anxiety. This shift was caused by several changes that were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, many teens lost their parents, family members, and friends to the virus. According to the national library of medicine about 10.5 million globally teens lost their parents or caregivers. The isolation away from friends, school, and their activities. The uncertainty and fear of the pandemic caused in teens left them feeling hopeless and sad with no future to look forward to.
For many teens and preteens when the pandemic occurs, they are still developing their social, emotional and cognitive thinking. This information is based off an article named "The pandemic hurt teens; how can we help them?" For many teens the pandemic caused the mental health disorders that they were already present struggling with, the pandemic only increased their symptoms and made them worse. Everything that they had access to too suddenly was cut off including support for their mental health. This meant that the sudden changes to close the schools, they lost their support system like staff and peers that would assist them with their day and other stressors of life that were happening in the lives of the teens or just social interactions that made them happy. These types of developments are crucial for a teen who is still developing their minds and social skills. As human beings we need this kind of interaction to feel feelings of hope and happiness.
Not only were teens faced with school shutdowns, but they also had to face problems at home. Many parents and caregivers were significantly under a lot of stress and pressure, this was due to loss of jobs, unable to pay the bills, isolation and loss of family members and friends to the coronavirus. The uncertainty of the future caused adults in the home to abuse the teens at home.
In an article that was published in 2025 by the American phycologist association stated that 11% were being abused physically and 55% were being emotionally abused by a parent or caregiver. This abuse led to anxiety and depression as well as an increase in PTSD. The LGBT community in teens was also suffering at a higher rate, this include female teens these events were happening due to the high rates of online bullying. (American phycologist association).
Economic status also contributes to thoughts of sadness and hopelessness. Many of these teens depended on the system to eat, transportation and support. For many it was difficult to obtain a meal and school supplies which could lead to anxiety. Online learning was sometimes difficult for teens because it's a new process that they had to learn how to adjust and without support from school staff many were left at home without any support to this process. This learning curve left many feelings unaccomplished, unloved, and sad. The adults are many of these teens were not emotionally available to care for and to provide for these children, which can be scary and filled with uncertainty.
Fast forward to 2025, five years later there was a shortage of mental health facilities, psychologists and lack of education for schools and parents. Not only is there a shortage but we are lacking funding, low pay for mental health professionals and lack of resources for communities, especially minorities. There is also stigma and barriers in the minority community that make difficult for many Hispanics, black and indigenous people to be open to mental health services. In an article publishes by the American counseling association it describes the lack of shortage not only for psychologist but for mental health professionals. To go furthermore COVID- 19 changed the way we communicated with others, it changed the way we mental health professionals provided services, and these factors also contributed to the mental health care professional, and it altered their mental health. Two years after the pandemic many mental health professionals were experiencing a bigger case load with no additional pay. As set back on insurance payments, there was also an increase in obtaining a mental health license because of the high demand in the industry. The shortage of psychologists and mental health professionals has left many facilities in drought and in need of some serious government funding. According to psychology today 47% of America live in an area short of psychologists. Not all psychologists accept Medicaid which makes it more difficult to obtain services because of the limited options available. Mental health clinics are in huge demand because they are currently turning down 56% of new patients due to the increase demand, this also means that their current patient's situation is causing the two to have worser symptoms. This is according to the npr website.
Due to the need for psychologists and mental health professionals, teens are being taken to their primary doctor where they are being prescribed medication for their anxiety and depression without proper treatment or diagnosed. They are sometimes even put in hospitals where it's taking them weeks to receive services and delaying their treatment to improve at a higher and better rate. This is alarming and unacceptable; their lives are being disrupted with nowhere for them to turn. Their caregivers and schools are not equipped to recognize signs in the teens to be able to help sooner be diagnosed.
Creating a safe place for students to be heard and seen requires training and many parents/caregivers are not able to provide that for their teens, including staff members, who most of the time won't know s sign when they see one. Also, with American in need of both facilities and mental health care professional and facilities were can parents and caregivers turn to when do they do see the signs in teens. I believe this is where we have to tun to the government. There has to be a change in the system and a new system has to be in place.
In September of 2024 the Joe Biden administration funded 68.5 million to address the mental crisis in America. According to America phycologist the funding will address the cris in America and help under serve communities. This funding was approved because Americans were suffering in the substance abuse area, and the money was intended for that specific solution. There was nothing in this 2024 funding that provided funding facilities for teens and mental health professionals. According to National Association of School Psychologist in some states, like California, Utah, Colorado there is 1 phycologist for 500 to 1,000 students. In other states like Arizona, Kansas and Oregon there is 1 psychologist for 1,000-500 students.
While we wait for a change in the government to fund or build more structure to the mental health industry. There are some solutions that caregivers and parents try to help build independence in children. In an article in the StandTogether the U.S prevention task force had a recommendation for parents/caregiver for children 8years and older. Thid recommendation encouraged parents/caregivers to help their children build independence in situations is reachable for children. For example, allowing children to go tricker treating alone, walking or biking with friends, playing at the park with a friend. These types of activities will help children grow up to have self-confidence. Skenazy says hypervigilance is the norm today and that parents believe their children are fragile. Fear and anxiety are keeping them from letting their children out of sight, but it hasn't always been this way. In 1969, nearly 48% of children walked or biked to school on their own. In 2009, it wasn't quite 13%. Skenazy points to a 1979 parenting book in which the author tells parents their 6-year-old should be able to ride their bike alone around the neighborhood or to the store.
Educating and building skills for staff members to help young people thrive. For example, the government can fund more training in the symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. These can minimize some of the struggles in the classroom even teachers understood mental illness to an extent. A mental health department in school is like a counselor when young teens can have a safe place to speak about their problems.
Another solution to the mental crisis in young people is resources for the families of young people. This can be anywhere from education around mental health because stigma stems around in minority communities, these communities need to be the ones where more resources and places to turn for help with their teens and even themselves. Although this might be a more difficult goal to reach because of the stigma the attempt is what matters. Making a resourceful structure with more mental health professionals that have similar backgrounds and can relate to communities.
Making schools more affordable and with more online accommodations for people who have a passion for mental health. This can help make school more achievable, especially for adults who are trying to maintain a full-time job and maintain a life while getting an education. Having more professionals in the field can decrease the crisis in mental health for teens.
Covid- 19 left many teens with mental health to struggle with and overcome it also opened the door for change in the system and how we view mental health. Understanding the struggles that children face who are now teens during the pandemic it gives us a better understanding of the changes we need to make as a society. Understanding solutions that can make a difference in other people's lives is will great better opportunities for young teens when they become adults.
Work Sites: A Solution To The Student Mental Health Crisis: Independence
The Pandemic Hurt Teens. How Can We Help Them Recover?
Kids' mental health is in crisis. Here's what psychologists are doing to help
Survey: Psychologists keep long waitlists as they struggle to meet demand : Shots - Health News : NPR
