Date of Presentation
5-5-2022 12:00 AM
College
School of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster Abstract
Adolescence is a crucial period in which adverse childhood experiences, social relationships, and habits can influence mental wellbeing. According to the CDC, the onset of mental illness is 14.5 years old, which is why it is imperative that individuals with mental health conditions receive early intervention. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, research has shown a dramatic decline in adolescent mental health. Specifically in New Jersey, it has been reported that individuals ages 18-23 have the highest levels of stress and depressive symptoms since the start of the pandemic. In light of these findings, it is vital that more research is performed to better understand the impact that the pandemic has had on adolescent mental health, as well as explore ways in which we can improve upon the dissemination of mental health resources to this demographic.
Keywords
COVID-19, Mental Health, Adolescent, Health Education
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Public Health Education and Promotion
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Assessing the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Adolescent Mental Health
Adolescence is a crucial period in which adverse childhood experiences, social relationships, and habits can influence mental wellbeing. According to the CDC, the onset of mental illness is 14.5 years old, which is why it is imperative that individuals with mental health conditions receive early intervention. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, research has shown a dramatic decline in adolescent mental health. Specifically in New Jersey, it has been reported that individuals ages 18-23 have the highest levels of stress and depressive symptoms since the start of the pandemic. In light of these findings, it is vital that more research is performed to better understand the impact that the pandemic has had on adolescent mental health, as well as explore ways in which we can improve upon the dissemination of mental health resources to this demographic.