New Data Shows Teen Girls’ Mental Health Suffered Most During the Pandemic
Nearly four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new data reveals the severe impact on youth mental health, particularly for girls. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Academic Emergency Medicine, there was a notable increase in emergency room psychiatric visits for children and teens during the pandemic, including conditions like bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and schizophrenia. The study highlighted that mental health-related emergency room visits for girls increased “beyond expected rates” from 2021 to 2022.
“We observed a unique vulnerability for girls during the pandemic, which indicates that girls’ mental health requires more attention,” said Dr. Jennifer Hoffmann, the study’s lead author and emergency medicine physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
A 2022 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 1 in 3 high school teens experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, and 1 in 5 considered suicide. Additionally, nearly 3 in 4 teens reported at least one adverse childhood experience, such as bullying, the loss of a parent, or violence.
The Importance of Social Connectedness for Adolescents
The foundation of adolescent development is social connectedness. It is crucial for teens to have social support both at home and in the community. Research shows that close, intimate conversations with friends are particularly important for girls, helping them explore identities, define their sense of self, and cope with mental health struggles. Teen boys’ friendships tend to be less intimate, often based on shared activities rather than personal sharing. The lack of social connections during the pandemic explains the significant negative impact on adolescents, especially girls.
Recognizing Symptoms of Mental Health Struggles in Teens
Symptoms of mental health struggles in teens can include:
- Social isolations
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm or harming others
- Obsessive exercising or dieting
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
Identifying these warning signs early can prevent problems from worsening. Teens are resilient and feeling connected to school and family supports their mental health. Building strong bonds and relationships with adults and friends at home, school, and in the community provides teens with a sense of connectedness, which can protect them from poor mental health and other risks like drug use and violence.
How Schools Can Help
According to the CDC, schools play a vital role in helping adolescents cope with mental health problems. Schools can:
- Provide safe and supportive environments, whether in person or virtually
- Link students to mental health services
- Integrate social-emotional learning
- Train staff on mental health support
- Support staff mental health
- Review discipline policies to ensure equity
How Parents and Families Can Help
Parents and families can support their adolescents by:
- Communicating openly and honestly
- Supervising to facilitate healthy decision-making
- Spending time together enjoying shared activities
- Engaging in school activities and helping with homework
- Volunteering at their adolescent’s school
- Communicating regularly with teachers and administrators
Parents and families may find the following resources helpful:
- CDC Children’s Mental Health
- School Connectedness
- Teen Mental Health
- Resources for Coping After Emergencies
- School-Based Physical Activity Improves the Social and Emotional Climate for Learning
- School Nutrition and the Social and Emotional Climate and Learning
If you are concerned about your teen’s mental health, you are not alone. The Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is here to help. We have a dedicated Child/Adolescent Team in our Bethesda, MD office. We also see older teens and college students in our downtown DC office.
Schedule a consultation today to support your teen’s mental health and well-being. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can assist your family during these challenging times.