Our teens may be under greater pressure than we realize due to separation from their friends, and distance education. Their world was already changing before the COVID-19 pandemic came upon them. Parents need to know what is happening in their tumultuous minds. Teenagers, mental health and COVID-19 may rub together in ways we might not expect.
Teenagers, Mental Health and COVID-19 Warning Signs
Health professionals are concerned the epidemic could affect existing mental health concerns in teens. Cleveland Clinic warns parents to be on the lookout for emerging signs of anxiety and depression. However, not all young people will respond the same way.
Anxious, introverted teens may welcome the calm sheltering brings. However, extroverts could struggle to cope with the isolation because they can’t recharge through contact through others. Teenagers, mental health and COVID-19 may prove an unfortunate mix, as they take unnecessary risks including not socially distancing.
Cleveland Clinic’s Advice to Parents for Minimizing the Risk
Parents should engage their teens, and explain why sheltering and social distancing are important. Cleveland Clinic recommends defusing the potentially dangerous mix of teenagers, mental health and COVID-19 by planning safe ways to engage. Think hikes and bike rides with their friends for example.
This may alleviate the stress for many extroverted teenagers. However some may show signs of splintering under the strain. Keep a weather eye out for emotional changes, confused thinking, or shifts in eating or sleeping patterns. If they mention suicide, or wanting kill themselves take their call for help seriously.
COVID-19 is taking strain on all of us. We are in this together and we need each other’s help. Share how the stress is affecting you as adult. Let your teen understand it’s quite okay to show emotions and ask for support.
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Preview Image: Isolation Separation and Loneliness
