COVID-19 has put a strain on so much more than our jobs, our lifestyles, and our bodies. This virus has waged a war on our mental health. Many people are still fighting daily for sanity and peace amidst the uncertainties and changes brought on by this global pandemic.
Adults are faced with everyday stressors that weigh heavily upon our shoulders. Should we stay at home and be isolated, or should we connect back to family and friends with caution? Should we vaccinate our children to fight this current variant, or should we wait until we have more data on the possible long-term effects? Should we go back to work, or should we find another alternative? The pressure we feel in this season is unlike any we most likely have ever experienced before, as each decision seems to come with a weighted price.
In the midst of these life-altering adult decisions, we must also remember the young minds around us who are struggling with the effects of this pandemic in their world as well. In addition to observing and absorbing the anxious energy of their parents, kids are also facing shocking and abrupt changes in their world. Even before the pandemic, statistics showed a massive incline in the mental health crisis among kids and teens across the globe.
One in five of the world’s children and adolescents experienced a mental health issue, with depression and anxiety taking the lead and with suicide being the third leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds. Then they were introduced to COVID-19. The isolation that many kids and teens experienced during the initial stay-at-home order may have taken more of a toll on adolescents than we realized.
And now, just because they have returned to school does not necessarily erase the negative impact of the quarantine.
Check on the young ones in your life. Pay close attention to their attitudes, their behaviors, and their interests. They may be experiencing social anxiety while with their peers. They may be more aware of themselves than the normal preteen stage, putting a greater damper on their confidence and self-worth. Something as simple as no longer being part of the same friend group can be heavily devastating for our kids. They can feel isolated, even though they are now around other people.
It is proven that, even in difficult conditions, children and teenagers are resilient and able to recuperate mentally and physically (when given the proper support). It is our job to ensure that the appropriate support is available to them.
For more information on adolescent mental health and additional resources, please visit the following links:
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/supporting-your-childs-mental-health-during-covid-19-school-return
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teenagers-can-protect-their-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19
