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Pandemic having effect on mental health of Gen Z Keshia Brooks

Capital - 8/14/2020

Without warning, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) managed to change everything about our lives. We have a new normal to live by and are learning how to adjust. But our response to the pandemic now will impact our lives, particularly the lives of young adults, into the future.

Generation Z was born between 1997 and 2013. They are a large part of the population that work in retail outlets and supermarkets to earn money. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit the retail industry hard. And recovery has been slow. Many prospect jobs are also in jeopardy.

I sat with a group of young adults to see how COVID-19 affected them. As a mental health professional, I wanted to understand firsthand how they felt about the job market and how it's impacting their mental wellbeing. I also wanted to learn what would happen to them once the unemployment stipend ends. I anticipated some of the feedback. But it was still hard to hear how much this young group feared about their future opportunities.

One college student was looking for an apartment when the pandemic began. She worked at two retail stores in New Jersey and was about to relocate to Maryland. When stores closed, her opportunity was placed on hold. She filed for unemployment. To date, she worries about what will happen after July 31, the date many will no longer receive an extra $600 a week for unemployment.

Another one works as a bartender. She has been unemployed since March 16. She spends unemployment benefits sparingly and saves as much as she can. Even with the savings, she is afraid the money will run out and she will be homeless.

A third one mentioned that he doesn't really know how to think or feel. He believes he is dealing with depression. And like many others, he feels like he is on a roller coaster with receiving direction and guidance.

Generation Z has faced many social issues over the last few years. From social injustices, mass school shootings to an opioid crisis and rising costs of education. Now they are dealing with additional stress factors. Distant learning, distant working (if they have a job), an increase of health insurance instability and undiagnosed mental health issues. This, in turn, has resulted in higher levels of anxiety, worry and depression.

Generation Z needs education, skills training and physical and mental health resources. They are our future leaders, CEOs, teachers and doctors. Just as there is money and time invested into resources for new vaccines to fight COVID-19, we need to make sure that we don't disregard an entire generation. The future of our country depends on it.

Keshia Brooks, BSPH, MBA, is supervisor of Prevention Education and Family Wellness at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center's substance use and mental health treatment facility.