OC Community Bands Together Despite the Odds

With families under lockdown and tensions rising, Orange County mental health hotlines are ringing at unprecedented rates while student organizations rally behind their peers. 

Every year, mental health illnesses have claimed the lives of approximately 8 million Americans, more than the 4 million deaths reported due to COVID-19. But combined with the economic and familial struggles that were bolstered by quarantine isolation, many are finding it even harder to persist.

The Orange County Register reports increases in the number of Suicide Help calls made by those suffering from COVID-19 related anxiety. The county’s mental health helpline, which has only 12 staff members, eight additional clinicians and some work-at-home staff members, is frantically restaffing to provide support. 

Compared to other demographics, mental health concerns have disproportionately impacted young adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While the class of 2020 reels from the cancellation of school events, others lack consistent support from friends and religious groups which had previously sheltered them from problems at home and school. 

“I think communication online through video call or text is so different,” Northwood High sophomore Helena Zhou said “There isn’t that real human presence that would normally give me energy or motivation or happiness.”

Meanwhile, reports of verbal and emotional child domestic abuse are increasing as family relationships undergo strain, particularly for LGBTQ teens. The Trevor Project reports that Coronavirus has comprised 25% of conversations with LGBTQ youth, while the number of teens who have reached out to their crisis service programs have doubled since the pandemic began. 

Along with large organizations, students have used this time to take a stand to help children achieve academic success and mitigate some of the academic stress that comes with EDL. A students run organization, Miracle for Youth, provides free tutoring services through Zoom for elementary school students. 

“We overcame many struggles throughout the creation of our organization but we stuck together,” founder and Executive Chief Justin Kim said. “This helped us work together for the sake of the community.”

Overall, quarantine favors privileged populations who are not coping with as much economic and emotional trauma. But for many, persisting through these pressing times has never been harder. organizations The Trevor Project and Miracle for Youth as well as the dedicated staffers of the Orange County mental health hotline are working to prevent suffering and loneliness.

While the future holds hope, it is of the utmost importance that Irvine students band together for the wellbeing of the community and their peers. Whether it be volunteering, reaching out or making time for our families, let’s all do our part in curing the biggest pandemic of 2020: mental health.