Data from the CDC shows that more than a third of high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, and nearly half reported a persistent feeling of sadness in the year that followed.
Glenville business owner Jaime Pawlinga said she opened her business, Sages Circle during the pandemic, and she witnessed first-hand the effects isolation has had on her teenage customers.
Sages Circle is a wellness boutique. Before the building became available, Jaime said she was just an independent seller. “I walked in and thought I have a shelf of little things from a farmers market, but we’re going to make this work,” she said.
Now her shelves are fully stocked with a variety of holistic items, jewelry and books that all promote spiritual well-being, but what surprised Jaime the most was the number of teenagers who walked in and just walked out. “They are constantly on computers at school, on their phones, on their tablets and on the go. We’re providing a space for them to literally come and just pull out a yoga mat, pull up a blanket, stretch out and just disconnect from the world for a few minutes to regroup,” she said.
Jaime said she quickly realized that people wanted more than just what was on the shelf, and the teenagers in her community needed a place where they could just be themselves and relax.
Sages Circle offers yoga classes, they teach mindfulness techniques, and there are all kinds of free events throughout the month.
