Teens and trauma: Managing mental health during COVID-19

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 500,000 Americans have died, nearly 100,000 businesses have closed nationwide, and some 22 million Americans have lost their jobs. On top of all of this, the country is facing a mental health crisis — and therapists are struggling to meet the demand.

Among those suffering the most are young people.

Just this month, WebMD reported that 46% of 977 parents of teens said their child has shown new or worsening mental health conditions since the start of the pandemic.

WHYY wanted to hear directly from teenagers about how they’re surviving the pandemic, and also talk to mental health professionals who could offer tips and best practices for sustaining positive thinking and navigating trauma.

Amy Dean, WHYY’s Community Curator for Willingboro, co-hosted this Community Conversation, which was supported by the Scattergood Foundation.

Panelists included Kaitlyn Rodriguez, Kevin Hernandez, Thomas Ford, Dr. Kamilah Jackson, Dr. Shairi R. Turner, and Gary Nelson, who holds a master’s degree in counseling.