Post-Pandemic PTSD, ADHD & Depression in Florida Kids

The pandemic changed everything for our kids. Schools closed. Routines disappeared. Friends felt far away. Now, years later, many Florida families are seeing the toll it took.

Your child may be falling behind in school. They may feel sad, angry, or scared more often. You may feel worried and unsure what to do next.

You are not alone. At Sunset Behavioral Health, we help Florida families find answers and get back on track through warm, evidence-based telehealth care.

Below are answers to questions we hear every day from parents like you.

Q: How did the pandemic hurt kids and teens?

A: The pandemic created stress that many kids had never felt before. Suddenly, everything felt unsafe or unpredictable.

Research shows that even after schools reopened, many children continued to struggle with anxiety, depression, and fear. Some kids also missed important learning time, which makes school feel harder now.

In Florida, student absences jumped by 50% since COVID started. In some counties, more than one-third of students missed three or more weeks of school. When kids miss school, they fall behind. When they fall behind, they feel frustrated and lose confidence.

This cycle is hard to break without help.

Q: What is PTSD and can kids get it from the pandemic?

A: PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It happens after someone goes through something very scary or stressful.

For some kids, the pandemic was traumatic. They may have:

• Watched loved ones get very sick

• Felt isolated and alone for months

• Worried constantly about danger or death

• Lost routines that made them feel safe

Now, even though the worst is over, their brains are still on high alert.

Q: What are signs of PTSD in kids and teens?

A: PTSD can look different in every child. Common signs include:

• Bad dreams or trouble sleeping

• Being jumpy or easily startled

• Avoiding people, places, or activities

• Angry outbursts or big mood swings

• Trouble concentrating

• Feeling numb or "checked out"

• Worrying something bad will happen again

If your child shows these signs, it does not mean they are broken. It means their brain needs help healing from stress.

For a full list of symptoms we help with, visit our Symptoms we treat page

Q: Why is my child suddenly struggling in school?

A: Many kids missed key learning during the pandemic. When schools closed or went online, some kids lost months of progress. Now that school is back to normal, teachers expect students to know things they never learned.

This creates a gap. And when kids feel behind, they may:

• Stop trying because it feels too hard

• Act out in class or at home

• Feel anxious or sad about school

• Skip school to avoid feeling embarrassed

But falling behind is not just about missed lessons. Sometimes, mental health issues like ADHD or depression make it hard to focus or care about schoolwork.

This is why testing is so important.

Q: How do I know if it is ADHD, depression, or just stress from the pandemic?

A: This is one of the hardest questions for parents. The symptoms can look very similar.

Q: What does ADHD look like?

A: ADHD affects focus, impulse control, and energy. Signs include:

• Hard time paying attention in class

• Losing or forgetting things often

• Trouble finishing homework

• Acting without thinking

• Feeling restless or "always on the go"

Q: What does depression look like?

A: Depression affects mood, energy, and motivation. Signs include:

• Feeling sad or empty most days

• Not enjoying things they used to love

• Low energy or feeling tired all the time

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Talking about feeling hopeless or worthless

• Grades dropping because they stop trying

Q: What does pandemic stress look like?

A: Stress from the pandemic can show up as:

• Increased worry or fear

• Trouble adjusting to being around people again

• Feeling overwhelmed by school or social situations

• Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches

The only way to know for sure is through a professional evaluation. Testing helps us see exactly what is happening so we can create the right plan for your child.

Q: What happens during testing for ADHD or depression?

A: Testing is not scary. It is a conversation. We talk with you and your child to understand their symptoms, history, and daily life.

We may ask questions like:

• When did you first notice these struggles?

• How does your child act at home versus at school?

• Are there certain times of day that are harder?

• Has anything big changed in your family recently?

We also look at behavior patterns, school reports, and how your child feels about themselves. By the end, we will have a clear picture of what is going on.

Testing gives us answers. Answers lead to solutions.

Q: How can Sunset Behavioral Health help my child get back on track?

A: We use a holistic approach. That means we look at the whole child, not just symptoms.

Our care includes:

• Listening first. We hear your story and your child's story.

• Testing and evaluation. We figure out what is really going on.

• Creating a custom plan. Every child is different. We build a plan that fits your family.

• Supporting the whole family. We give you tools and strategies to use at home.

• Checking in often. We do not just hand you a diagnosis and disappear. We stay with you.

Our telehealth visits mean your child can get care from home. No long drives. No crowded waiting rooms. Just warm, focused support from a provider who cares.

Learn more about our approach here: Virtual Psychiatric Care in Florida

Q: Who will help my family at Sunset Behavioral Health?

A: You will work with Luisa Garcia, a dual-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Luisa has over 13 years of experience helping children, teens, and adults navigate trauma, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. She is an expert in helping families rebuild after hard times.

Luisa also offers care in both English and Spanish, so language is never a barrier to getting help.

Meet Luisa Garcia APRN and learn more about her approach.

Q: What should I expect at our first visit?

A: Your first visit is calm and judgment-free. We go at your pace.

Here is what happens:

1. You share your story. Tell us what you are seeing and what worries you.

2. We ask questions. This helps us understand your child's symptoms and needs.

3. We talk about next steps. We explain testing, treatment options, and what to expect.

4. You leave with a plan. You will know exactly what happens next.

Want to see our full process before you start? Read What to expect .

Q: How long do we have to wait for an appointment?

A: You do not have to wait weeks or months. At Sunset Behavioral Health, appointments are often available within 48 hours.

We know that when your child is struggling, every day feels long. We work hard to get you support fast so your family can start healing sooner.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: Yes. We accept many insurance plans because we want care to feel possible for all Florida families.

Check our Insurances accepted page to see if your plan is covered. If you are not sure, reach out and we will help you check.

Q: What if English is not our first language?

A: No problem. Luisa Garcia is bilingual and offers care in both English and Spanish. We want every family to feel understood and supported.

Q: What is the first step to getting help?

A: Start with a free 15-minute consultation. This is a no-pressure talk where you can ask questions, share your concerns, and see if we are the right fit for your family.

There is no cost. No commitment. Just answers and a path forward.

👉 Book on Google Meets to schedule your free consultation with Luisa Garcia.

Appointments are often available within 48 hours. Let us help your child feel confident, calm, and successful again.

Your Child Can Thrive Again

The pandemic was hard. But your child does not have to stay stuck. With the right support, kids and teens can heal, catch up, and feel hopeful about the future.

At Sunset Behavioral Health, we believe every child deserves to feel good about themselves and excited about life. We are here to help your family get there: one step at a time.

Take the first step today. Your child's brighter future is waiting.

👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation now:

Contact Sunset Behavioral Health

• Website: www.sbhmind.com

• Book on Google Meets: https://tinyurl.com/mentalhealthFL

• See what we treat: Symptoms we treat

• Learn our process: What to expect

• Meet our provider: Meet Luisa Garcia

Sunset Behavioral Health provides compassionate virtual mental health care for children, teens, and families throughout Florida. Services available in English and Spanish. Visit sbhmind.com to learn more.