Mental Health
The pandemic had an effect on the mental health of many children. The support systems we rely on to handle the hard stuff in life – social connections, predictable routines, hobbies – were often no longer available. Here, children talk about how life during the pandemic created or exacerbated already existing mental health issues.
Mackenzie, 12, Australia
Mackenzie lives in Australia, where they used stringent and recurring lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID. In her interview, Mackenzie talks about her social anxiety and how the lockdowns exacerbated it.
Recorded: September 26, 2021
Social Anxiety
Quinn, 18, California, USA
Quinn had mental health challenges before the pandemic began. However, once the pandemic started, many of his usual support systems, that helped him manage his symptoms, disappeared. As a result, his mental health deteriorated.
Recorded: September 29, 2021
Loss of Support Systems
Maya, 14, Florida, USA
Before the pandemic, Maya used to have an active and social lifestyle. Due to the pandemic restrictions, her life became much more sedentary and isolated, resulting in weight gain, and a pre-occupation with calories and controlling her weight.
Recorded: October 3, 2021
Weight Gain and Body Image Issues
Amanda, 18, Australia
As a child of an immigrant Mom who wanted a better life for her daughter, Amanda felt a lot of pressure to succeed academically as a path to a better life. Amanda was able to meet her Mom’s expectations, until the pandemic hit and her grades and mental health came crashing down.
Recorded: September 29, 2021
Academic Breakdown
After Amanda dropped out of high school, she decided to get treatment for her years-long depression. Within a few months, things started to get better, and she began to open up to her Mom. It transformed their relationship.
Healing
Eve, 8, Australia
For Eve, the monotony and boredom of life during Australia’s lockdowns was mind-numbing. One day, she decided to do something about it, just to feel something again.
Recorded: November 13, 2021
Mind-Numbing Boredom