Many Americans struggle with mental health issues during a typical year.

Now, imagine adding a pandemic with a staggering death toll, long periods of isolation and social distancing.

In the United States, about 17.3 million adults in 2017 faced a major depressive episode and 51.5 million U.S. adults annually experience some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

A National Survey of Children's Health study found that 1 in 6 U.S. children have some form of mental illness.

It's safe to say that some of those already struggling before COVID-19 haven't had it easy this past year.

In Tuesday's Eagle, we spoke with school counselors and mental health professionals, who said lockdowns and quarantines are taking a toll on the mental health of young people.

The life of a young person is one typically marked by constant socialization, whether it's in classes at school, playing sports, taking part in afterschool activities or hanging out with friends.

To have these activities taken away or greatly limited during the peak of their development is a terrible thing.

Those featured in the Eagle's article noted that stress levels are higher than usual among many college students, while some younger students feel isolated. According to one counselor, a student shared with her that he felt he'd “lost his identity” after being away from a school atmosphere for so long.

“Kids didn't just miss out on school in person — everything stopped for them,” said Butler Senior High School counselor Alecia Mowrey.

Donna Lamison, executive director of Butler's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said mental health issues are exacerbated by the pandemic and, in worst-case scenarios, can lead some to turn to self-harm.

Although the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention noted that early data didn't show dramatic changes in the suicide rate during COVID-19, there was concern that the risk becomes higher as it drags on.

While some are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, as vaccination rates rise, it will likely be some time before life is considered back to normal.

Not surprisingly, Mowrey said more students sought help during the past year.

The important takeaway is there is nothing wrong in asking for assistance if you are suffering.

While young people have resources available to them at school — and teachers observing them throughout the day — it might be more difficult to detect these problems while isolated.

If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, contact the Center for Community Resources' 24-hour emergency crisis services at 1-800-292-3866 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

If you're concerned about the well-being of a friend or family member, reach out to these resources for them.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are people in your community who can get you the resources you need.

— NCD