{"id":10537,"date":"2020-10-20T02:39:02","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T02:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=10537"},"modified":"2020-10-20T17:40:41","modified_gmt":"2020-10-20T17:40:41","slug":"helping-teens-manage-their-mental-health-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2020\/10\/20\/helping-teens-manage-their-mental-health-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Teens Manage Their Mental Health During COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a large disrupter, and with no end in sight it is easy to see why anyone would be anxious and despondent. For teens, who are accustomed to socializing with friends, attending school, playing sports, and all the normal things teens do, the pandemic has been especially challenging. For teens who may have already been struggling with feelings of isolation, the pandemic can create a more stressful and toxic situation. For some, it could even lead to thoughts of suicide.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe number one priority for parents and caregivers is making sure your teen is not socially isolated or dealing with loneliness,\u201d says Anthony L. Rostain, MD, MA, Chief and Chair of Psychiatry at Cooper University Health Care. \u201cMake sure that if they are showing signs of a mood disorder, or expressing feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, to take the time and see that they get help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso, it is important for parents and caregivers of teens and young adults to pay attention to behaviors such as sleep and appetite,\u201d says Kelly Gilrain, PhD, Director of Psychological Services and Behavioral Medicine at Cooper. \u201cIf you’re noticing they’re sleeping more, sleeping less, eating more, eating less, or engaging in more risk-taking behaviors, these could be signs that your teen is struggling,\u201d says Gilrain. \u201cAnything that’s out of the norm for that particular individual could potentially be a warning sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFamily history of depression and suicide is also very important to consider\u201d when a teen may be struggling, says Dr. Rostain. He adds that \u201canxiety-induced panic attacks are some of the most uncomfortable experiences. For a teenager who is constantly managing panic, it’s absolutely going to coincide with depression if they’re not able to learn the appropriate coping skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

To help our youth emotionally survive this pandemic, Dr. Gilrain recommends creating a schedule and\u00a0 setting up an office in a different area so that kids are not in their bedroom all day and night. For instance, moving their remote learning space to the living room or an enclosed porch \u2013 a location other than their bedroom \u2013provides a much-needed break from their environment.<\/p>\n

Because teens who work daily at a computer have fewer opportunities for personal connections, it is important for families to talk with their children. By starting conversations \u2013 even with something as simple as \u201chow was your day?\u201d – \u00a0family members can support children whose routine may lack much-needed social interaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuicide prevention is all about helping people feel like they matter and that they’re not alone and that someone cares about them,\u201d says Dr. Rostain. \u201cIf this doesn\u2019t work, the next step of course is going for professional help. But I really think the first aid comes from the people right around you providing much-needed support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Below are important resources if you or a loved one are dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts:<\/p>\n