Teen mental health hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic

The mental health of U.S. high school students has worsened over the course of the pandemic, according to a new study by government health experts.

The survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that over one third (37%) of high school students reported poor mental health during the pandemic, and 44% said they felt sad or hopeless – a symptom of depression – during the past year.

“These data echo a cry for help,” said CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., in a press release on Thursday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created traumatic stressors that have the potential to further erode students’ mental wellbeing. Our research shows that surrounding youth with the proper support can reverse these trends and help our youth now and in the future.”

The study found that students were victims of stressors and even abuse at home, during a time many high schools did not have in-person instruction. More than half (55%) reported they experienced emotional abuse by a parent or other adult in the home, such as swearing at, insulting, or putting down the study.

11% reported they experienced physical abuse at the hands of a parent or other adult at home.

The report also found that a over a quarter (29%) of students said a parent or other adult in their home lost a job.

Females and LGBT youth reported greater levels of poor mental health, emotional abuse by an adult, and attempted suicide than their counterparts.

36% of students also said they experienced racism before or during the pandemic, the highest levels reported by Asians (64%), black students (55%), and students of multiple races (also 55%).

“The survey cannot determine the extent to which events during the pandemic contributed to reported racism,” said the press release. “However, experiences of racism among youth have been linked to poor mental health, academic performance, and lifelong health risk behaviors.”

Researchers found that students with high “school connectedness” – a sense of being cared for, supported and belonging at school – were less likely to report poor mental health. However, less than half (47%) reported feeling close to people at school during the pandemic.

“School connectedness is a key to addressing youth adversities at all times – especially during times of severe disruptions,” said Kathleen A. Ethier, PhD, Director of CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health.