Students face increased stress due to the pandemic

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ)-

The transition from summer to the beginning of school is always a stressful time for students, but this year the pandemic has increased the anxiety that students are facing

Every year students are expected to adjust to a new schedule and be responsible for their homework, now they are expected to follow the everchanging Covid protocols.

Luke Guard, a licensed counselor and the director for spiritual life and Jackson Christian school says that students are experiencing more stress than they would in a typical year,

“questions about what’s going to be mandated, what’s going to change?... You can definitely tell that students are carrying more stress or anxiety than they probably did several years ago.”

This extra stress can cause students to struggle with anxiety or depression according to psychiatric nurse practitioner Anna Cook,

“anytime that somebody is under like extensive stress that will cause more problems with anxiety and depression, but also just the busyness of the world, and the expectations, and the social media that definitely contributes as well.”

Health professionals say that the covid-19 pandemic has caused an increase in mental health issues in both adults children. The question on the minds of parents and teachers is how can they help students that are experiencing stress or anxiety.

“I think the best thing we can do is remain both present but also calm. I think sometimes the anxiousness or the stress of adults kind of infects our kids,” says Luke Guard

The last year and a half has been a stressful time for everyone, children are no exception.