Politics

ME TN AL HEALTH : COVID - 19

One year of quarantine has proved to be detrimental to teen mental health, but the widespread release of the vaccines gives students some hope

Faith Lawrence Editor-in-Chief

Isolation. Separation from friends. Interrupted routines. Canceled extracurriculars. Prolonged time indoors. Endless hours spent staring at a computer screen doing busy-work. Little things like hugs and parties, no longer considered safe. Missing out on a year’s worth of activities. March of 2021 marked one full year since Austin Independent School District (AISD) closed its campuses due to COVID-19 precautions, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) implemented health policies in order to keep the population safe, such as social distancing and mask policies. While the initial campus closure was only supposed to be active for a limited time, senior Laurel Shultz has yet to step foot on campus in her final year of high school.

“I was not expecting the pandemic to last this long at first, I was uneducated about the virus and didn’t think a virus could disrupt everyday life so drastically,” Shultz said. “I thought it would last three months tops. Honestly, now that it has been a year I feel annoyed at former President Trump for not heeding the warnings he got from other countries about the virus the way I feel he should have. He put hundreds of thousands of lives on the line because he chose to ignore the warnings, and as someone who knows multiple people who died in the early days of the pandemic lock down, that makes me angry.”

Staff members, like Assistant Principal Susan Leos, have tried keeping a positive outlook throughout the pandemic, focusing on how quarantine has bonded students and staff with a shared experience.

“What I will retain from this year of quarantine is a newfound sense that people can find ways they never even thought of to make a community, even without the physical place if they are willing to find ways to connect with each other,” Leos wrote in a one-year-of-quarantine reflection letter. “The resiliency of our staff and students to create a community of learners through the power of human connection is what keeps me going.”

Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis, commented in a New York Times article that teenagers begin to learn how to navigate relationships and develop nuanced communication skills while in high school. Therefore, attending classes that are Online or that have limited in-person experience could possibly cause teens to lose some of those social skills.

“Everything is stagnant now,” New York City Ayden Hufford said in the same New York Times article. “There’s nothing to look forward to. I sit on the computer for three hours, eat lunch, walk around a bit, sit for three hours, then end my day. It’s

LOCKED INSIDE

ART BY Faith Lawrence and Rae Gray

all just a cycle. [Sometimes,] I’ll lay down with my camera off and wait for it to be over; It’s sad and somewhat lonely.”

QUARANTINE’S EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH

thinking about balance and scheduling activities you enjoy in your week and your day, even have shared that when their students talk about things when you feel overwhelmed.” that are difficult, they try to refocus them on the positives. “My advice for students dealing with difficult mental health changes is to seek help,” graduate This can invalidate the student’s feelings and make them Sidney Tishgart said. “There’s no shame in having a therapist. Another thing that’s been hugely think the adult doesn’t understand. It’s important that we continue helpful for me is finding something to look forward to. It can be as simple as ‘I’m gonna go get to recognize and verbalize back to students how challenging things In the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network’s “Coping During COVID-19” video series, psychiatric-mental health professional Julie Carbray said that the social isolation adolescents are facing during quarantine has been looked at as being most problematic for long-term outcomes for children. After a full year of quarantine, students still report having feelings of depression and anxiety that surfaced when the pandemic first began. “I experienced a lot of changes in my mental health after quarantine began; my anxiety went through the roof and tasks I used to be able to do are now a lot more difficult,” Shultz said. “I was shocked at how fast my entire lifestyle was flipped upside down and it caused a lot of stress and fear-inspired anxiety. Especially at the beginning of quarantine, it was hard to cope with because I was never alone, felt overwhelmed by the expectations in school, at home, and never felt I had time to myself which I desperately need because I am an introvert. Although I was able to ‘keep it together’ on the outside, on the inside I felt trapped, overwhelmed, and anxious over every small detail most people probably wouldn’t even notice.” The Institute for Family Studies at the Wheatley Institution found that the percentage of teenagers who reported being unhappy or even dissatisfied with their life increased during the quarantined summer of 2020. Additionally, depression, loneliness, and general unhappiness are at an “unacceptable” high level among teens in the United States. “Mental health needs have sharply increased across the board from kids to adults,” Licensed Mental Health Specialist and school social worker Amanda Toohey said. “Many people struggle with isolation as well as an overall loss of their normal routines, paired with fewer opportunities to do things for self-care and things that bring joy to our lives. The pandemic has been referred to as a collective trauma- something we are all experiencing together and coping with at different levels.” Medical News Today reported that, towards the beginning of the pandemic, 38 percent of those surveyed felt tired and lacked energy, 36 percent were having sleep disturbances, and 25 percent were feeling down or depressed. Over a quarter of populations around the globe were facing an increase of pandemic-induced anxiety or depression. “Know that you are not alone and that help is available in many forms,” Toohey said. “Talking to a trusted adult is a must. We tend to turn to our friends or peers for support which is great, but when it comes to depression and mental health, involving an adult is especially important. You can also try out various coping skills to find what works best- connect with others, journal, exercise, art, music, mindful meditations; there are many options to try out.” Counselor Heather Gallier suggested that students dealing with feelings of depression or anxiety use the acronym “MEDS” to help with their physical and mental health. “M” stands for mindfulness, focusing on the present, “E” for exercise, “D” for diet, and “S” for sleep. “I always emphasize the link between your physical health and your mental health,” Gallier said. “Thinking about those physical factors and paying attention to them is always my biggest recommendation. Then, I recommend coffee in the morning’ or even something like, ‘I’ll be at a concert soon, just push through.’” Writers at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) wrote that it is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in psychiatric disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress, Depressive, and Anxiety Disorders, as well as grief-related symptoms. Additionally, NCBI published an article written by several doctors, which described that the pandemic has created a global context likely to increase eating disorder (ED) risk and symptoms because of disrupted routines, decreased social interactions, increased exposure to ED-specific or anxiety-provoking media, and health concerns. “Developing an eating disorder during this time is more common than you’d think,” Tishgart said. “If you’re suffering, you are not alone. For students suffering from eating disorders, I think it’s important to stray away from the toxicity of social media. A quick fix is unfollowing influencers or others who make you feel lesser than. Of course, there’s more to it than just a social media detox, but it’s all about baby steps. Diet culture is another thing. Sure, ‘hot girl summer’ is coming up, but you’re a badass as-is, and worrying about food or appearances should be the least of your concerns.” The National Eating Disorders Association found up to a 78 percent increase in the number of calls and Online chats they received compared to about a year ago. Anyone struggling with an eating disorder can contact a helpline when in a crisis situation at nationaleatingdisorders.org or by texting “NEDA” to 741741. “What can be important is having compassion for yourself,” Gallier said. “Keep in mind that you’re going to have good and bad days, and not every day will be perfect. What’s important too is thinking about the people in your life, and surrounding yourself with people who are very supportive. I don’t think we realize how much diet culture is in our world, so being careful of the things you say is essential if there is someone in your life struggling with an eating disorder.” Since quarantine and remote learning has forced most students to attend classes from home, associate professor at the Rutgers School of Health Professions Ann Murphy and senior training and consultation specialist PJ Wenger recommend that parents and teachers should watch out for signs that students are having trouble with their mental health: struggling to complete work, pay attention, sleep, eat, or interact with family or friends. “Validate their feelings,” Murphy said in an interview for Newswise. “Teachers A total of 53% of teenagers claimed they have become STRONGER and MORE RESILIENT during the pandemic, according to The Wheatley Institution. are right now and how big the losses and changes feel to them.”

A LOOK AT THE FUTURE

Even though students have felt an increase in feelings of depression and anxiety since quarantine began, teens have had the opportunity to get more sleep since then. The Institute for Family Studies reported that the percentage of high school students who slept seven or more hours a night increased by 29 percent since 2018. Additionally, a total of 53 percent of teens claimed they have become stronger and more resilient during the pandemic.

“Teens during the pandemic appear to have managed the challenges of 2020 with resilience, taking comfort in their families and the slower pace of life,” an article published by The Institute read. “Although teens were worried about health, economic stressors, and the protests, these challenges were seemingly offset by increases in sleep time and family time. These results suggest that once the pandemic has lifted, later school start times and more family time may be helpful in mitigating teen depression.”

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced that the COVID-19 vaccines became available to all Texans ages 16 or older starting Monday, March 29. Additionally, the DSHS administered over 11.8 million doses of the vaccine to Texans as of Friday, April 2.

“I think returning to our more normal routines will help a large number of students,” Toohey said. “It seems like current medical experts feel hopeful that widespread vaccinations will greatly reduce the spread and allow for many of the current restrictions to be lifted.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 11 percent of adults in the

U.S. felt symptoms of anxiety or depression before the COVID-19 pandemic began and 42 percent had symptoms in December of 2020. Gallier thinks that as life becomes “more normal,” due to the vaccines, the percentage will likely decrease. “The widespread administration of the vaccine gives me so much hope, and I think that getting back to normal life as quickly and safely as possible is really important in getting my anxiety back to the low level it was at before the pandemic began,” Shultz said. “The vaccine will give me the reassurance I need to go back to my daily routine as well as feel comfortable again in social settings. My anxiety about the pandemic alone is sky-high, so having the vaccine and having my friends and family have it will be such a relief.”

BREAKING FREE

ART BY Faith Lawrence and Rae G ray

MENTAL HEALTH STATISTICS

SOURCES ifstudies.org, www.texastribune.org, www.americaspromise.org/

During Spring of 2020, people in the United States were THREE TIMES as likely to experience mental distress, anxiety, or depression than from the two previous years.

30% of high schoolers have felt unhappy or depressed more often since the beginning of quarantine.

Between March and December of 2020, the therapists with Vida Clinic Behavioral Health, a counseling option for AISD students, has seen about 4,000 STUDENTS and

ATHLETES ASSERT

A new era of Texas basketball: Chris Beard replaces Shaka Smart

Riley Payne Dispatch Reporter

The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team just had one of its best regular seasons in quite some time and ended up winning the Big 12 Tournament for the first time in 26 years, punching themselves a spot in the big dance.

The Longhorns were rewarded with a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament, putting them in the position of playing a lower ranked team, Abilene Christian in the opening round.

The Horns came out slow, but they had a solid lead half way through the second half. The Horns committed over 20 turnovers, which is an abysmal performance for one of the top-12 teams in the tournament.

No. 14 seed Abilene Christian had the smallest team in the tournament, making the Horns’ performance even more embarrassing.

Ultimately, the game ended in a one-point, upset loss to Abilene, 53-52. This team had such a high ceiling, so the only thing to blame is coaching.

Texas head coach Shaka Smart has been with the program for six years now, and is yet to have a single tournament win under his leadership. Although he brought in some elite high school talent and made some good runs towards the end of a few seasons, it was clearly time to make a change.

Before being relieved of his duties, Shaka Smart took the job at Marquette University, knowing he wouldn’t have one in Austin for much longer.

The coaching search didn’t take too long with the top two candidates being Brooklyn Nets’ Royal Ivey and Texas Tech’s Chris Beard. On April 1, 2021, the Longhorns agreed to a seven year, $35 million contract with the former Red Raider’s head coach.

Beard is a Texas alum who previously led the 2018 Red Raiders to the elite eight for the first time. The following year, Tech was in the National Championship game.

This resume is impressive in itself. Additionally, Beard led one of his younger, less talented teams to the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling to the No. 3 seed Arkansas Razorbacks this year.

When the news broke, some people thought it was an April Fools joke, but Texas fans should be thankful it wasn’t.

Beard also brought his good friend, UT-Arlington head coach Chris Ogden, along with him to Texas.

These hires are giving some Texas fans hope, but many need to be content with the fact this team may not be back at the top for a while.

Questions? Concerns? Want to share your opinion? Contact:

Email:

bowie. journalism@ gmail.com Room: F203

From athlete to assistant coach

Naya Tillisch Sports Editor

Senior Grace Pollock, once a varsity track athlete, has had an unbelievable year since she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and forced to undergo multiple surgeries and relearn how to walk.

“I was diagnosed with a disease called lupus over the summer, which as a side effect gave me a nasty blood clot in my leg,” Pollock said. “It unfortunately put an end to my sports career.”

Pollock began running track in seventh grade and has loved it since, so her diagnosis was devastating to her senior year season.

“I used to run the 100 and 300 hurdles, and last year I had the opportunity to run in some relays,” Pollock said. “Track season has always been my favorite part of the school year. I had big plans regarding my senior year of track that weren’t able to happen. I deeply miss the ability to run and workout, which were big parts of my life before this.”

Varsity girls track coach Rey Torres has been coaching track for over 30 years, and he was a hurdler and relay runner just as Grace was.

“[Pollock] is a wonderful person who I admire a great deal,” Torres said. “Pollock is a very determined and hard working young lady who constantly puts in extra time to get faster and stronger in the hurdles. When she was running, she would stay late just to get some extra time hurdling.”

Pollock’s injuries came as quite a shock to the team, for COVID-19 kept many of her teammates and coaches from seeing her during and after her diagnosis.

“It was early summer when [I found out] about Pollock and about the situation with her clot,” Torres said. “It was terrible news and I felt horrible. Several months before, Grace had told me her calf was hurting and that she could not run. We both thought that it was a strain in the calf. Then COVID-19 hit and there was no more track last season so I had not seen or heard from Grace until [I got the news].”

Senior athlete Katherine Kastl has been close friends with Pollock since elementary school and has been by Pollock’s side through it all.

“I was really shocked,” Kastl said. “I didn’t see her for a couple of months, and it wasn’t until around June when she told me what was actually wrong.”

Kastl believes Pollock has done a great job of handling such a long and painful situation.

“She’s done a great job of focusing on the bright side of things and staying optimistic throughout her journey,” Kastl said. “Grace is a very, very hard worker. She’s always wanting to get better no matter what is thrown at her. She cares a lot about her friends and is very inclusive.”

Pollock’s recovery has

RECOVERY: Senior Grace Pollock was diagnosed with Systematic Lupus Erythematosus. She has had five surgeries on her leg. PHOTO COURTESY OF Grace Pollock been intense, for she has had multiple surgeries and is continuously working to get stronger.

“Over the summer, I had five surgeries in hopes of getting the blood clot removed, but they were unsuccessful,” Pollock said. “I’m having another major surgery [over spring break] in hopes of helping my being able to walk normally again.”

The numerous surgeries took a toll on her body, and she still feels their effects months after.

“The most difficult part of the injury was the medications I was put on,” Pollock said. “They had awful side effects like major swelling all over my body that’s just now starting to go down seven months later.”

In an effort to find a way Pollock could still be involved in track for her senior season, Torres and the other coaches had the idea to make her an assistant coach for the team.

“Grace does a wonderful job helping out as an assistant coach, [and] it is great to have her out there as part of the team,” Torres said. “Grace has her own stopwatch, so she helps me time the girls running and then records their results [at meets as well as practices]. What’s even better is that she reminds me to do things when I’ve forgotten to do them.”

Pollock has appreciated the associate coach position, for she is able to be with her team while also helping out the coaches and giving advice to other athletes.

“The coaches have been so amazingly supportive throughout this unpleasant experience,” Pollock said. “My favorite part about being an assistant coach is watching the athletes grow in their abilities. Watching everyone get faster and stronger is such an amazing feeling knowing that your team is getting better with

ONE STEP AT A TIME: Senior Grace Pollock is building her strength and working with a physical therapist in hopes of being able to walk and exercise normally once again. She has made tremendous progress since her surgery over Spring Break and is mobile with the help of a walker. PHOTO BY Naya Tillisch

every practice.”

Kastl explains how Pollock’s coaching position has been good for her and helped her overcome a difficult time in her life.

“Grace was a big contribution to the team [last year],” Kastl said. “As a coach, Grace is always willing to help and she really enjoys track and being around everyone. I definitely think it’s helping remind her that she’s important and still a part of the team even if she’s not able to run in meets.”

Pollock said she is incredibly grateful for the support system the track team has provided, and everyone involved is wishing her a quick and smooth recovery.

“All of her friends on the team feel horrible for Grace. They all wished that she was still able to run and compete…[and] our team misses her on the track,” Torres said. “Grace always had a positive mindset despite all the struggles she has faced. In my opinion, her great attitude [is what] has helped her to overcome this physical obstacle.”

Athletics affected by new COVID-19 guidelines

AISD’s limitations on game audiences have changed for spring sports

Riley Payne Dispatch Reporter

Varsity junior baseball player Jayden Francis is up-to-bat for the first time for the Bulldogs, but there aren’t many people to cheer him on or boo him behind him in the crowd. The 2020-2021 season was rattled by COVID-19, and AISD had protocol allowing for athletics to only have a limited audience.

“I’m glad we got to play this season during a pandemic,” Francis said. “Without the fans though, it’s less motivating. Having more people increases the intensity, which encourages me to do better.”

The limited audience means less eyes are on each athlete, which puts less pressure on some of the players.

“With the limited audience, there isn’t much to worry about”, Francis said. “You don’t have to worry about having a bad performance.”

Junior Varsity volleyball player Ashley Salas was also grateful for the opportunity to play this season.

“I think we all took this season seriously, not because the audience wasn’t there to watch but because we were never really guaranteed a next game,” Salas said. ‘With COVID and everything it was really easy for our season to just end out of nowhere.” Audience capacities are expected to return to normal next school year if everything goes as planned with COVID. “I think there will be a positive effect to having a full audience watching,” Salas said. “I think players will be excited to see their family and friends watching and supporting.”

The limited audience was different, but it helped some teams come together and truly focus on the game without distraction.

“We were definitely more focused on the game for sure,” Salas said. “Mostly because we didn’t have the crowds cheer us on, or even sometimes the opposing teams students talking to us.”

Without an audience, away games feel quite similar to home games this year, which is usually not the case.

“There was definitely an advantage playing road games knowing the crowd couldn’t really aid the home team,” junior football and basketball player Noah Vasquez said. “It really made home court advantage non-existent.”

Playing with a limited audience took time for the athletes to get used to.

“The first time playing with a limited audience was very strange,” Salas said. “We were so used to the stands being packed with family and friends supporting us.”

Many freshman athletes have not yet gotten the chance to play a high school game with a full audience.

“I feel players who’ve already played at full capacity and such will not really be affected as this was just a weird season,” Vasquez said. “But for those playing for the first time, this was their introduction into high school sports. They never really got a full chance to adjust to a big game atmosphere or a full away game feel, which could definitely affect them negatively later.”

Though there were both advantages and disadvantages to playing with a limited audience, Vasquez managed to get through the season successfully, for Varsity basketball made it to the quarter-finals in playoffs.

“Having less fans definitely allowed for better communication on the court since everything was very quiet compared to a normal year,” Vasquez said. “There also was a lack of energy at times since fans were not there to help get us going, but we made it work.”

Some games still had enough of an audience to have an atmosphere, but going back to normal will be a relief for Vasquez.

“Every game except for a few [still] felt like a game,” Vasquez said. “All the other games we had a limited amount of fans, which created a game atmosphere. [However], whenever we went to Del Valle, there was nobody [allowed in the stands], but both teams and their gym being so quiet gave the game the feel of a scrimmage.”

BATTER UP: Varsity junior short stop Jayden Francis patiently awaits for a ball from the Lehman pitcher. Bowie varsity tied the game 5-5. PHOTO COURTESY OF Jayden Francis