Mental health is something that many of us struggled with, especially during the rise of COVID-19. More students than ever have begun to develop bad habits and experience declining mental health during this pandemic. This is why an outstanding group of people have decided to create a safe space for students to speak and empathize with each other about their experiences returning to school amidst a global pandemic and how it impacted their well-being.
This virtual youth panel was co-hosted by the members of the San Mateo Youth Advisory Group (YAG) from Stanford’s Psychiatry’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Emma, Rachel, Pogisa and Melissa are all students living in the San Mateo area who are passionate about the importance of mental health and want to start a conversation about it.
Mental health has become a huge problem due to the stigma that surrounds issues related to it. In many households, the importance of taking care of your wellbeing and recognizing your struggles is completely disregarded, leading to struggling students with no support system. This has intensified for many students during the pandemic, so it is crucial to create a safe environment where peers can relate and empathize with each other.
Now, on to the panel. There are, objectively, many problems surrounding the abrupt switch to in-person school after being in isolation for so long. One of the first topics spoken about in this panel brought light to the fact that teachers may not be doing everything they can to minimize the stress of the sudden change. The panelists believe that compassion and empathy are really needed from teachers during this time, and some may be lacking that. “Teachers are kind of forgetting that COVID was a thing and that online school and isolation existed,” says Emma Quanbeck, a senior at Aragon High. This change is very overwhelming, and support from teachers is needed.
Another one of the questions that was asked is how parents can support their teens at this time. Just like teachers, parents are a huge part of a student’s road to recovery. “I think that the support from our parents is critical, and with that comes really honest, raw and open conversations from parents and their kids,” says Pogisa, a Pasefika scholar.
These conversations may not be so easily started. Many students have difficulty reaching out for help in times of distress. According to latest research, one in five students in the US experience issues with mental health, yet only 80% are actually able to get help. This common lack of support is why you should look out for your friends and peers as well as yourself. “I would tell my friends, if you’re ever feeling a little off-balanced or just not good in general, it’s best to start talking to somebody who will really listen and be there for you,” says Melissa, a senior at Saint Francis High School.
Looking out for yourself is important too. Panelists Melissa and Pogisa share how they like to relax and unwind when feeling overwhelmed. “Before I go to bed everyday, I meditate for 10 minutes using a narrated meditation and just unwind and think about what the days brought me, highs and lows, and what I can improve for the next coming days and weeks,” says Melissa. “Going to my grandma’s house and cooking cultural dishes, learning that and bonding with her is a form of self care for me,” Pogisa adds.
To wrap up this panel, the group shared district and county mental health resources put together by the YAG to help other youth during this time. These resources are easily accessible through the SMUHSD website and the Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing at med.stanford.edu. @smhscares on Instagram is another hub for several resources that are more specific for our school and stresses on building back and mending our community after this pandemic. If you’re ever in need of support, feel free to take advantage of these resources.
In conclusion, this pandemic has affected us all greatly, some more than others. It’s crucial to focus on yourself during these times, and do not be afraid to reach out for help in time of need. Thank you to the San Mateo Youth Advisory Group for putting together this incredibly helpful and important panel!