Tri-Valley Teens Get Real About Mental Health On New Podcast

DUBLIN, CA — When schools first closed during the coronavirus pandemic, Yashvardhan Khaitan, a rising senior at Dublin High, thought it was a dream come true.

Doing schoolwork in bed. Taking classes on Zoom.

"I thought that I was in some fantasy world and everything was in my favor," he said.

But then, Khaitan said, he started falling behind and waking up late. He missed being on campus and having the opportunity to connect with his classmates. His mental health began to falter.

Khaitan started setting up Zoom calls with his friends, who said they were going through the same thing. And so the TeenTalks Podcast was born.

On TeenTalks, Khaitan uploads weekly episodes featuring peer interviews. They share their struggles to find motivation, worries about moving into more advanced classes after a disjointed semester, college application process stress and ways they're trying to stay engaged.

Not only does the podcast seek to break down the "invisible barrier between all the students of Tri-Valley," but it's helped Khaitan improve his own mental health, happiness and social life.

"I feel that I'm not alone," he said. "I'm sharing the same feelings with my friends ... and even people that are outside of my friend circle."

While Khaitan said it was disappointing that his senior year would take place during a pandemic, he looked to the positive. A virtual graduation sure will be memorable.

And to other Tri-Valley students struggling to grapple with their new lives amid the pandemic, Khaitan encourages them to find the good in their everyday lives. Try painting your room or helping your parents garden, and look for ways to mix it up.

"Don't ever look at the negative parts," he said. "If you always think positive, you can really uplift your mental health and you can really make your day better."

Are you a student up for sharing more about your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic? Email Khaitan at yashv.khaitan@gmail.com to get involved.

Listen to TeenTalks Podcast here.