Pandemic is hurting teens, but not all because of COVID-19

by Krista Fogelsong

December 14, 2020

It’s hard being a teen in the best of times, but, throw a pandemic into the mix and it’s more than devastating. 

For some, it’s hard to see a way through and they only see a way out. A Southwest Florida organization that deals with grief has seen an increase in suicides and depression among teens.  

16-year old Kyleigh Geraghty said if one word could sum up her life, it would be surviving. The Naples High Junior has had a tough few months dealing with the pandemic. 

“It’s like you’re taking away our lives basically,” said Geraghty.

From abruptly turning her sophomore year into virtual learning to being isolated from her friends, Geraghty got so low she wanted to take her own life.

“I couldn’t sleep cuz that’s all I thought about was whether I was gone or dead like if I killed myself right here right now,” she said. 

Signs she and her mom know all too well.

“She would just start secluding herself like she never wanted to do anything with us,” her mom, Dawn, said.

Geraghty’s dad took his own life when she was only eight. 

Because of that, she and her mom go to Valerie’s House. It’s a place in Fort Myers and Naples where families can talk about losing a loved one and they aren’t alone.

“We have seen a lot of families who have experienced a death by Suicide,” said Amy Strom from Valerie’s House. “We have seen a lot more cases of depression or family members who are needing extra support .”

Geraghty was going to group meetings dealing with the loss of her dad. Then, her mom said all of a sudden it was complete heartbreak.

“We had worked so hard to get her to a certain place and then a pandemic hit and it was like I was like you know two steps forward ten steps back like we were finally getting somewhere and then bam it’s reality struck me in the face,” said her mom.

When things are intense for adults they can be magnified for teens said Amy Strom from Valerie’s House, and we shouldn’t minimalize what they’re feeling.

“What we really can help them do is just be supportive of that and listen to them when they say what was such a big deal it is such a big deal in their world,” Strom said.

Dawns says it’s been really tough. 

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“They can’t see each other. If they do, they go out in public and have to wear a mask. So, they’re not even themselves. I mean if they take pictures of themselves you know whatever. It’s not the same, ” said Dawn.

Experts say parents can help their kids get through this by planning activities, getting kids off social media, and simply talking to them like Dawn did with Kyleigh.

“It breaks my heart that there are so many kids going through it and people don’t see it,” Dawn said.

Geraghty said she’s thankful her mom saw what was going on and has this message for kids feeling despair.

“You are here for a purpose and there’s going to be someone that can be there for you and one that will talk to you and send me that will find you help if you really need it.”

If you need help call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. 800-273-8255