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My daughter sat down last night to tackle her assignments, and I was taken aback by the sheer volume of work she had. She, too, was feeling overwhelmed. Meanwhile, my son is nearing the end of his senior year, facing a significant paper deadline following his senior project, which involved not just completing a task but also documenting his experience, creating something from it, and delivering a speech.
My kids are really feeling the pressure, and they’re not alone. My sister’s children are struggling to keep up as well. She shared that their online high school schedules are causing them to feel defeated, leading to a drastic decline in performance. Her daughter, once a high achiever, is now unable to finish assignments on time. This week, my sister made the tough decision to start her on antidepressants due to concerns about her mental health.
It’s heartbreaking to watch my kids and my nieces grapple with feelings of inadequacy when they can’t keep pace with their responsibilities. The stress is palpable, and my niece is at a point where she’s unsure if she’ll pass her freshman year because she has fallen so far behind.
The pandemic has disrupted their lives, and yet there’s an expectation for them to maintain normalcy, to push through without acknowledging the emotional toll it takes on them. A poll conducted by the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital found that nearly half of teenagers have experienced a decline in their mood and overall well-being during this time. Among the almost 1000 parents surveyed, three out of four reported that their teens’ social lives have also been adversely affected.
Gary L. Freed, M.D., M.P.H., states that one of the key issues is the natural desire for autonomy that teens experience at this stage of life, which the pandemic has stifled. “The disruptions to their routines have significantly impacted their mental health,” he explains.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control has reported a staggering 30% increase in emergency room visits for mental health issues among teens compared to last year, a concerning statistic indeed. Brittany LeMonda, PhD, a senior neuropsychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, notes that the teenage years are already filled with significant changes, both physically and emotionally. With the added challenges brought on by the pandemic, it’s understandable that many teens are facing mental health struggles.
As a parent of three teens, I am eager for solutions. I want to know how to support them through this challenging period and beyond. Healthline indicates that one in three teens will meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder by age 18, even during normal times.
COVID-19 has stripped many regular activities from our lives, making it increasingly difficult to engage our children while keeping them safe. Experts suggest it may be beneficial to ease restrictions on screen time and allow them to socialize with friends, as 70% of parents in a survey reported this positively impacted their children.
Encouraging your child to speak with a mental health professional and involving them in online extracurricular activities is also highly recommended. Additionally, it’s crucial to routinely check in with your teen, even if they appear to be doing fine. These times present unique challenges for everyone, and it’s essential to promote healthy habits, including a balanced diet, ample sleep, and family bonding activities. Be vigilant for any changes in their behavior or sleep patterns.
In my experience, cooking together has made a significant difference for my children. It gives us something to look forward to and fosters a deeper connection than simply being glued to our devices.
By remaining attentive and fostering family activities, I hope to help my kids navigate the remainder of the pandemic effectively.
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Summary
Teens are grappling with the pressures of school and social life, exacerbated by the pandemic. Many are experiencing mental health challenges, indicating a need for parental support, open communication, and adjusted expectations. Engaging in family activities and encouraging professional help can be beneficial for their well-being.
Keyphrase: teen mental health struggles
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