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COVID-19 has been detrimental to teenagers’ psychological health. According to a study by the National 4-H Council, a network of organizations focused on supporting youth on their journey to becoming the best person they can be, “...during the pandemic, 7 out of 10 teens have struggled with mental health."
Being cooped up for an extended amount of time isn’t good for students. Portia R. Goyette, a local licensed marriage and family therapist, states “the demand for counseling has skyrocketed since March 2020, and I have seen a significant increase in depression, relationship challenges, and anxiety and fears regarding the future.” In a Maui High School student survey about mental health, one teen shared “...by having everything canceled it was hard for a while to find things to be happy about.”
The pandemic has many negative impacts on teenagers’ lives and in return, their mental states. Students have been isolated from their friends and external support systems. They’ve had to learn an entirely new way of learning in a short period. Not to mention, they’ve dealt with anticipated events being canceled. They’re experiencing a lack of stability because of the increased level of uncertainty along with a high level of boredom .
With the decline in adolescent mental health, there comes an increased need for therapy. When approached about how a teenager can measure the need for therapy, Goyette shares “...the most important thing in determining the need for therapy is how they are functioning: Are they getting along with friends and family pretty well besides the usual tiffs? Are they dealing pretty well with school or work, even though it's stressful? Are they coping with their other life stress in a healthy and positive way?”
Although the need for therapy is high, some teens do not seek support. One study from the University of Michigan shares “...half of the estimated 7.7 million US children with a treatable mental health disorder did not receive needed treatment…” Perhaps they doubt if or how therapy would be of any benefit. In the Maui High student survey, one student shared, “I don’t think therapy is necessary and I don’t feel like I need it.” Goyette, however, asserts that “seeking help and support when we need it is crucial to thriving in all areas of our life, especially right now as you all continue to endure increased isolation and a general lack of normalcy for many months on end. Relying on healthy coping skills is essential to our sanity and survival, and developing these skills is just one of the things that a therapist will help you with.”
Counseling impacts the community just as much as it impacts one person. Goyette concludes that “the health and wellbeing of a community begins with the health and wellbeing of each individual. By supporting the emotional and relational health of individuals, couples, and families and advocating for social justice, we are all better equipped to create a healthy, safe, and loving community.”
Counseling can be beneficial for anyone and everyone. Maui High School has counselors that can help. Students can reach out to the Counseling Center at 727-4070 to schedule an appointment to speak with your counselor. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please don’t hesitate to call Maui County’s toll-free Crisis Mobile Outreach Number at 1-800-753-6879.