Burnout, stress, and anxiety are some of the major contributors to poor mental health, and these have all been heightened due to the pandemic and its multisectoral impact. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health today, and its implications for the future, are quite difficult to ignore especially to the youth. The lockdown caused the schools to rapidly adopt and pursue remote learning which greatly affects the students’ lives. They have experienced several different challenges, including increased stress and anxiety that has led to degradation of mental health.

Mental health affects how we think and act, so having earlier signs of a mental illness like  anxiety, or distress  should not be taken for granted.  It is a serious problem that should be handled properly. I have seen and heard news about youth taking their own life due to unknown fears that makes them anxious and gradually depressed that greatly impacts their productivity in school, home and community.

How do we begin to help children heal?    

Now, that we are facing a lot of uncertainties and our youth are struggling to cope with all the changes brought by the pandemic which makes them vulnerable, let’s offer our embracing hands to them, listen to what they have to say without judgements and  be their support system so we create an environment where they will feel loved, secured and valued.

So, to those people, especially young people, who are experiencing Mental Illness: Don’t keep everything  to yourself. Your feelings are valid and your mental health doesn’t define you, so don’t be ashamed to talk about it.  As we have faced one of the biggest challenges of our lives, we have become more innovative, brave and stronger individuals, I believe that if we will continue to focus in achieving our dreams, then we can be the generation that will make an important and positive difference.

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TAKE NOTE OF THIS

• Your Feelings are valid
• Your mental health doesn't         
  defined you
• You are allowed to enforce     
  your boundaries
• You don't need anyone else's
  approval
• You are capable of amazing 
  things
• You are enough

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Tap the link below to deepen your understanding of mental health

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543#common-disorders