The Pandemic
The pandemic might be over and our lives have almost returned to normal, but we are now seeing the effects of it on our children. In the beginning many people believed our children were handling the pandemic better than expected but now that we are through it all it is apparent that it took a toll on them. We are seeing an increase in depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Adolescents thrive on connections and they are essential to their development. However, this was taken away from them for 2+ years. With help, there are ways to help your child work through the feelings they have towards the pandemic and the aftermath of it.
Help
You may have a child that has had a difficult time during and after the pandemic. This is not uncommon. Experts believe that mental health issues have increased in adolescents by 30%. If you have noticed a difference in your child, you can take some steps to help them. It is important that you listen to them. They may not tell you everything but you will get an idea about what is bothering them. This will allow you to decide what is the best course of action for them. It is also good for them to keep a routine. In doing this, you give them something predictable which will help to ease their fears. It may be hard for some adolescents that have anxiety but you should encourage them to interact with their peers. The more they avoid interaction, the harder it will be for them to incorporate back into social situations.
Adolescents & the Pandemic
The pandemic took a toll on everyone but it was especially difficult for our children. Their routines were thrown in disarray, they missed out on many rights of passage and may have witnessed their loved ones fall ill all with the possibility of death. Social isolation is something that did and will continue to affect our children for many years to come. Children and adolescents need social interaction to grow, learn and feel connected. This has put them at a greater risk for developing serious mental health issues. Adolescents can learn skills to help them overcome these issues.
Good Things
There were many downsides to the pandemic that created issues that we will be facing for years to come. However, there were also several good things that came out of it too. If you or your child struggle with the aftermath of the pandemic, make sure to remind yourself of some of the good things. One of the best things, in my opinion, was that life slowed down for us. Instead of rushing everywhere and being constantly on the move, we were forced to take a break and even do things that we had been putting off because we lacked the time. Another wonderful thing is that everywhere we looked people were doing good things for others. People were helping their family, friend, neighbors and even strangers. It showed us the best parts of humanity. We also learned who & what is important to us. We were worried about our loved ones and went out of our way to keep them safe while still showing them they mattered. New technology emerged that helped us stay connected with the people we couldn't see. It gave us a sense of connection. Lastly, many people started new habits like working out or learning how to cook or cooking as a family. So even amongst an event that had many downsides, there were still several positive lessons for us.
Caring
Making time to care for ourselves is an important part of our mental health. We got to practice a lot of self care during the pandemic. I hope that you are able to continue caring for yourself in the same way now that our lives have returned to normal.