How COVID-19 Impacts Teens' Mental Health

The reality is that even without a predisposition for mental health issues, the environment of uncertainty we are in is depressing and anxiety provoking. The safety measures we are taking to control the pandemic will undoubtedly exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety in teens and young adults.  

There are a lot of people getting very sick and dying, and unfortunately we cannot predict what the final numbers will be or when exactly this will end. Each and every one of us is concerned that our loved ones or ourselves could sick, so it’s really important we normalize what these young adults are going through and reassure them that it is to be expected that their symptoms are heightened right now.

Now since we can be certain that this situation can exacerbate anxiety and depression, it is critical that we understand ways to mitigate this negative impact and make a PLAN to ease the symptoms.

• Continue with an agreed upon medical plan. If teens are being treated for anxiety or depression, they need to stick with that treatment! Continue therapy online or over the phone and take medication as prescribed. If they are not currently being treated and symptoms increase, now is the time to start seeing a clinician virtually.
• Build a structured routine. A lack of predictability can intensify anxiety and depression symptoms, so build and stay on a new routine.
• Connect with peers. Teens need social connection even while practicing physical distancing. Now is not the time to isolate, so they should continue to socialize with peers over the phone, video chat, or on social media.
• Stay productive. The inability to take effective action is what makes trauma, trauma. Taking effective action can be as simple as showering, making food, cleaning a room, working on a project, writing poetry, creating art, or getting school work done. 
• Exercise and move around. Even moderate cardiovascular activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, getting outside each day and moving their bodies for a short amount of time can go a long way. If teens are already into healing arts like yoga and meditation make sure they stick with their practice and perhaps add to it.  If they are not already involved in such practices, now might be a good time experiment a bit as a family.
• Monitor media intake. Be careful not to have too much news 24/7. A lot of this content can be scary stuff for anyone. This is a time to engage with fun, light content that's going to help comfort them and make them feel better, not aroused and more afraid.
• Check-in as a family. Create time and space on a weekly basis to talk as a family about fears, concerns, and how family members are doing and feeling.
• Prioritize the basics. Now more than ever is the time to pay attention to what our bodies need, particularly healthy sleep hygiene, food, and hydration.