Adolescent Mental Health
and COVID-19
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has caused immense changes in the overall health of the general American population. The ongoing pandemic continually generates unprecedented mental health challenges such as grief, loss, isolation and the economic recession (1). While the majority of individuals seem to be affected in some shape or form, it is important to note that the pandemic disproportionately affects individuals belonging to minority groups (7) as well as individuals who are adolescents (49). Thus, the need for healthcare professionals, parents and academics to be informed is vital.
The Disproportionate Effects of COVID-19
Adolescents
The number of emergency department visits (due to suspected suicide attempt) by adolescent girls seemed to increase by 50.6% during the winter of 2021 as compared to the 2019 rates. The number of emergency department visits by adolescent boys remained stable.
Adolescents
A research article published by the Kaiser Family Foundation demonstrates the negative impact of COVID-19 on young adults. In comparison to their younger counterparts, 56.2% of adults aged 18-24 reported depressive or anxiety disorder symptoms
Being a Student and Covid-19
Seeing as the focus of this website is concentrated on the mental health of adolescents, it is important to acknowledge that a large majority of adolescents are students enrolled in high schools and colleges. Adolescents tend to spend a large amount of time at academic institutions so it is only natural that their interactions with the colleges or schools they attend affect their well-being. COVID-19 adds another layer to the issue of academic stress as it has been a challenge for these institutions and by extension, their students.
One of the many negative effects of COVID-19 is the additional academic stress that it has imposed on students. This is made evident by the studies that have been conducted to explore the relationship between the pandemic and its impact on student mental health. One such study reported an increase of 81% in stress experienced by teenagers (37). Another similar study focused on college students instead of high-schoolers and reported a 71% increase in anxiety and stress symptoms (43). Among the high-schoolers this increase was associated with online schooling, race and decreased exercise times (37). As for college students, the decline in mental health was associated with concern over their health and that of their loved ones, concerns over their academic performance, disruptions in sleep patterns, decreased social interactions and difficulty concentrating (43).
How to Cope with COVID-19 Stress
If you are struggling to cope with new pandemic-related challenges, you might want to consider employing new lifestyle changes that are known to reduce stress and can be safely practiced from the comfort of your home (CDC).
The graphics below demonstrate some recommendations on healthy stress coping strategies .
If you are looking for additional ways to cope with stress, please consider visiting the CDC website by clicking here.
Tip: Hover over each icon below for some extra helpful recommendations on how to practice these stress management habits
Exercise Regularly
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Quick 7 Minute Workout:
1. Jumping Jacks (30s)
2. Wall-Sits (30s)
3. Push-ups (30s)
4. Ab Crunches (30s)
5. Step Ups
6. Squats
7.Tricep Dips (30s)
8. Planks (30s)
9.High Knees (30s)
10.Lunges (30s)
11. Side Planks (30s)
12. Rotations (30s)
For more information, click here
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Meditate
If you have never meditated and are looking into starting, I would recommend checking out lavendaire's blog on Guided Meditations (with Guided Meditation Videos).
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I have also compiled a Guided Meditation Youtube playlist that you can check out by clicking here
Maintain a Healthy Sleep Cycle
Sleep Hygiene Tips
1. Get 8 hours of sleep
2. Maintain a bedtime routine
3. Watch what you eat before sleeping
4. Get some physical activity before you sleep
For more information on sleep tips from the Mayoclinic, please click here
Click here for links to apps that can help you maintain healthy sleep habits
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Eat Well-balanced Meals
Obtaining essential minerals and vitamins is important, especially during a pandemic. The best way to obtain these nutrients is through your diet. Here are some quick examples to get you started:
1. Vitamin C; Oranges, Strawberries, kale
2. Vitamin D; Milk, seafood, mushrooms
3. Vitamin B12; Fortified Cereal, eggs, milk
If you are looking for more tips on how to eat healthy balanced meals during the pandemic, please visit this CDC page by clicking here
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Maintain Social Connections
Make use of virtual connection platforms:
1.Consider hosting a weekly Zoom catch-up session with your friends
2. Watch Netflix shows with your friends using Netflix watch parties
Maneuvering Your Adolescent Years During the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on adolescent mental health leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression and stress (25). Therefore, it is important that we outline some adolescent-specific tips that might prevent some of the undesired consequences of the pandemic . The following tips come from the CDC'S website on COVID-19 adolescent mental health care tips!
Do Not Forget To Celebrate
COVID-19 restrictions may have caused an adolescent to miss the thrill of an in-person graduation or birthday party which can be rob them of the things that one looks forward to in life. Therefore, do not forget to safely celebrate these events, perhaps virtually or by getting together with a small group of friends who are vaccinated and recently tested
Take Care of Your Health
COVID-19 restrictions may have also discouraged adolescents from going to their annual physical or checking in with therapists or counselors. The first step to overcoming that obstacle is realization. So, if you are reading this and feel like you have skipped a couple of wellness appointments, do not forget to reschedule!
Do Not Let Zoom Fatigue
Get to You!
COVID-19 restrictions have impacted adolescent education to an unprecedented degree. This might have disrupted some of their developmental activities such as their ability to keep up with athletic hobbies. Therefore, keeping a routine which incorporates their hobbies might help adolescents break away from a mundane routine.