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 isolation
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
Additional Resources
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
