Studies Are Showing That Lockdown May Be Hurting Teens’ Mental Health And I Am Not Surprised

Let’s face it, social distancing and lock-downs have been rough. Though crucial and even mandatory in some places, it can really affect a person.

It may be safe to say that the most affected are teenagers. They have had to miss out on a lot this year, and it is REALLY affecting them.

As a 31 year old who suffers from high functioning anxiety, I can say staying at home has truly affected me. I no longer work on the public, I lost my health insurance, and now I am home all day with two toddlers. And that in itself will take away someone’s sanity. I love my kiddos…but they be crazy.

Case and point. So if adults are really suffering from all of this, imagine how it is as a teen.

They have missed out on big milestones. Their final semesters, final sports seasons, graduation, prom, hanging out with their friends, and making memories. This is the part of their lives where they are beginning to figure out who they are. And they are stuck at home instead.

A survey has been conducted in an attempt to figure out exactly how much teenagers have been affected by social distancing. And the numbers aren’t good.

Of approximately 1,500 teenagers who took part in the survey, conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the National 4-H Council, 7 out of 10 teenagers said they were struggling with their mental health. 

Here are some pretty crazy high statistics according to the 4-H page:

• 81% of teens say mental health is a significant issue for young people in the U.S., and 64% of teens believe that the experience of COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on their generation’s mental health.
• In this stressful climate, 7 in 10 teens have experienced struggles with mental health.
• 55% of teens say they’ve experienced anxiety, 45% excessive stress,  and 43% depression.
• 61% of teens said that COVID-19 pandemic has increased their feeling of loneliness.
• Teens today report spending 75% of their waking hours on screens during COVID-19.
• 82% of teens calling on America to talk more openly and honestly about mental health issues in this country.
• 79% of teens surveyed wish there was an inclusive environment or safe space for people in school to talk about mental health.

“It is clear to us based on the survey findings that COVID-19 has had a measurable adverse impact on teens’ mental health,” Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of 4-H, told HuffPost. “For example, 61% of teens said that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their feelings of loneliness.”

It is incredibly important during this time to ensure everyone’s safety. But at the same time, with mental health falling down the drain left and right, especially for teens, we need to come together and find a solution, for their sakes.