Georgia students’ private battle: Anxiety disorders in the classroom

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 1, 2022, by Vanessa McCray and Eric Stirgus: Latha Wright studies Latin, draws her own comics and films videos with her little brother.

The 16-year-old Atlanta student also battles anxiety.

When her family sought help, they encountered obstacles that make it difficult for many Georgia teens and young adults to get therapy and proper medication.

Her mom, Sherry Neal, called numerous providers covered by their insurance in her search to find someone taking new clients.

Navigating health care in general is hard, she said, but: “Just wait until someone you love needs mental health care.”

During the pandemic, rates of anxiety disorders and depression among young people doubled to 1 in 5, according to JAMA Pediatrics data. The social isolation of virtual learning, social media pressures and academic expectations are primary contributors.

Read more here at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.