How are you doing? When was the last time someone took the time to ask how you are doing? You all know about the pandemic and how the change in routine has affected your loved ones but, many teens are also struggling mentally during this time. School, as well as family and other issues that the pandemic has brought with it, have caused a decline in mental health and it needs to be acknowledged.

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Students shared their opinions on how the change in routine has affected them. A sophomore at Gahr who wishes to remain anonymous said, “My mental health has become worse since March. It is a struggle trying to balance both family and school work... it does not help when you are going through problems with your family. ” In a time where everyone is struggling in their own way, emotional states have become heightened. Now, many individuals have to make time for both their family and school while being in a virtual learning environment. This has taken a toll on many in ways never experienced before.

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Although the pandemic has negatively affected some, it has also helped in improving the mental beings of others. Francis Carrillo, a student of Cerritos High School said, "My mental health in March was pretty bad because of how hectic school was and the start of something new. I was worried if I’ll ever see my friends. I had time to spend thinking about what I wanted to do...had time to reflect and better myself throughout the time which was really good.” Times are going to get difficult, but it is important that you take time for yourself and use it to focus on your mental health. It can be hard when there is all the chaos of the pandemic but it will only improve the relationship you have with yourselves if you try.

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There are many reasons for how each of us individually feels right now. Alexander Seignemartin, a junior at Gahr said,“... my mental health has gotten worse because I feel like I have gotten a lot lazier just struggling to keep my head straight with school and not being able to do sports ..." Many of us are missing out on the countless activities that were part of their everyday lives. Sports and other social activities that people have looked forward to are now taking place in a manner where the camaraderie of social bonding among teams and friends are missing and there is nothing we can do about it.  

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It can be hard to cope with during this time, but mental health is a challenge that everyone is facing. Students can access mental health resources through Gahr’s Student Resource Center, which aims to help students improve themselves emotionally and physically. Remember that you are not alone.