Being an Adolescent Through the Pandemic
The pandemic has affected the emotional, social, and mental well-being of adolescents. Constantly changing safety concerns and challenges can be isolating and difficult to understand, creating both short- and long-term consequences. Research shows adolescents thrive when they have structure and routine, which makes the ever-changing regulations even tougher. Mental health struggles, such as anxiety and depression, already complicate a teen’s well-being, but now, with something out of their control, symptoms in many adolescents have become even more extreme.
Breaking Down Adolescent Pandemic Stressors
The pandemic has created challenges for adolescents’ social lives, school, and have caused many to miss significant events. They need socialization as a way to connect, and when restrictions are put into place, this affects their sense of independence, development, health, and happiness. Missing out on social gatherings and extracurriculars can be tough for a teenager because it takes away their outlet of independence. As a result, teens are engaging in more screen time than ever, spending hours on social media, playing video games, or binging on Netflix, which then leads to unhealthy habits such as staying up later and sleeping in.
Changes to the school environment and classroom education have been extremely challenging for adolescents. Virtual learning has had negative impacts on learning and led to poor performance in school. Teenagers are falling behind and not getting the proper education they need to be successful in the future. Along with virtual learning comes isolation and a lack of socialization with peers, which teens often use as an outlet to relieve stress from an already stressful environment.
Teenagers have had to adapt to the loss of significant events they once looked forward to or envisioned as being a part of their lives — from graduation ceremonies, proms, and sporting events to birthday parties, teen gatherings, and getting a driver’s license. Accepting these losses can be a difficult process, leading to anger, resentment, and loss of motivation and pleasure in things they once enjoyed.
Recognizing Behavioral Changes
As stress levels grow in teens, so does a list of mental health symptoms that can go unaddressed. Adolescents may feel they can handle the symptoms on their own or ignore the negative behaviors they are engaging in. Moreover, as stress levels increase, so do worry and fatigue, issues with focus and concentration, and disturbed sleep.
Teenagers often have a hard time expressing themselves, becoming unable to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Not vocalizing how they feel or shutting down can lead to emotional outbursts, poor school performance, anger, tearfulness, and a loss of interest or motivation.
Teens: What You Can Do
Having to adjust your social life can take a hard toll on a teenager. It’s important that you recognize any mental health symptoms you may be experiencing and tell a supportive person that you are struggling. Seeking out professional help can add a layer of stability and support outside of your family. Stay connected with friends through social media, video games, phone calls, or video chats. Consider taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill and find alternative ways to stay active. We also recommend making it a priority to spend quality time with your family. Most importantly, remember: it’s okay to not be okay, and you are not alone.
Parents: What You Can Do
Encouraging your teenager to be open and honest about their thoughts and feelings can be difficult. As a parent, reassuring your teen that you can provide support and understanding will allow them to feel comfortable with disclosing any negative symptoms they may be experiencing. Having daily or weekly check-ins provides a platform for your teenager to express themselves. Finding ways for your teenager to see friends is highly encouraged, whether it be in a socially distanced manner or through video chat. Continuing to provide structure and routine will help maintain normalcy and stability for your teenager.
Get Professional Help From Clarity Counseling Center
Our professionals at Clarity Counseling Center have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to help your child overcome the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are here to provide support and tips to ensure that your child remains as healthy and happy as possible. Meet our therapists or reach out today to schedule an appointment!
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020, June 5). Teens & COVID-19: challenges and opportunities during the Outbreak. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Teens-and-COVID-19.aspx
Gray, D. (2020, December, 11). Teen mental health during pandemic. Stanford Children’s Health. https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/en/teen-mental-health-during-pandemic/
Grose, J. (2020, October 28). The hardest fight to have with your teen. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/28/parenting/teens-stress-lonely-coronavirus.html
