Social media, academics, anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, substances, and more have all contributed to unprecedented levels of mental health issues among the nation’s youth.
Experts say to have the conversation earlier than you think you need to. Create a safe space to talk about questions and concerns so that you can help kids get help if they need it.
Many adolescents were struggling before COVID-19 hit. The pandemic has exacerbated the problem, according to a new joint statement from key medical groups.
Evanston Now
Emotional impact of pandemic on kids expected to continue
Emergency room visits for mental health issues increased 50%. High school to prioritize social-emotional health issues this fall.
“Anxiety.” “Stressful.” “Lonely.”
Those are words an Evanston parent used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on teenagers, who were stuck at home on remote learning for more than a year.
That parent spoke at a recent District 202 Board of Education meeting, where another parent said teachers and administrators should expect a “tsunami of emotions” from their students when Evanston Township High School fully reopens for in-person learning in August.
“Adolescents thrive from being around other teens,” explains Rachel Levitsky, a licensed clinical social worker/therapist who lives in Evanston.