Page 21 - Silver Linings Issue3

degree of isolation for adolescents.
For many, this led to increased levels of depression, stress and anxiety, as well as a greater propensity to abuse substances.
The bright side, if there could be one for COVID, is that it shined a spotlight on mental illness and resources for help.
“COVID amplified
vulnerability, even
for people with no
previous troubles. It
made it OK to talk about
being anxious about going to school because everyone was anxious about it.
“Those who have struggled and weathered the uncertainty will be better equipped later in life to deal with stressful situations,” Ortiz- Schwartz says. “It also created opportunities for young people to value the things they have taken for granted in the past in terms of work, friendships and experiences. It’s an opportunity to reset and be more engaged and genuine in the next steps of their lives.”
The internet, with its various support forums and communities, has helped many teens handle mental health concerns. It has provided an outlet for teens to ask questions and share their concerns and stories.
For other teens, however, the internet has increased anxiety and created an impossible standard to achieve. Manipulated images on
Instagram and other social media sites often present a glorified, idealized version of the one posting the photograph making it difficult for others to emulate.
“People believe these posts on social media are what’s really going on,
but in reality, those are significant triggers and worsen outcomes for
teenagers, particularly teenage girls who are much more prone to suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety than in previous generations. It impacts males, too, more so than in the past,” she says. “Clicks become the purpose for interacting and living instead of making a real connection and finding the support.”
Silver Hill Events That Support These Important Programs
On September 14th, Silver
Hill Hospital recognized and
thanked our most generous
annual donors at a reception
and dinner, held outdoors at
l’escale in Greenwich. The
reception and dinner featured
remarks from President and
Medical Director Andrew
Gerber, MD, PhD. Peter and
Beverly Orthwein hosted the
event. Peter is former Chair
of the Silver Hill Board of
Directors and current Chair of
the Advancement Committee.
Gifts to Silver Hill Hospital ensure that patients with financial need can access the treatment they need and allow the hospital to respond to new opportunities to improve outcomes for patients.
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SILVER LININGS MAGAZINE | ISSUE THREE | FALL 2021