Karmen Smith LCSW

Reader’s Note: If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Depression is a common mental health condition that can impact every part of your life — from interpersonal relationships to professional growth to the ability to get out of bed and complete normal daily functions and tasks.

Growing up today is tough. Many teens today feel overwhelmed with academic pressures, sports, friends and social circles, and navigating the digital world. Even before the pandemic, research showed that anxiety and depression were the number 1 problem teens experience — in fact, over 70% of teenagers said it was a “major” concern. The problem has only worsened since COVID.

The long COVID pandemic has been a nearly four-year global game-changer. Regardless of who you are, what industry you’re in, your age, or any other factor, the pandemic touched every corner of life for us. It’s been unprecedented and played tricks with our sense of time.