Too young to be stressed
Adolescent mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic
For adults, childhood can seem like a time that is free of stress and responsibilities.
But ask any child or teen, and they’re likely to paint an entirely different picture. Before the global pandemic, life typically consisted of nightly homework, worry about grades, sports practice, band rehearsals and weekends filled with family obligations.
Now, as the country continues to face the COVID-19 health crisis, most of these stress factors have existed along with additional fears about safety, stability and the unknown that comes with a pandemic.
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial's behavioral health department has seen an increase in adolescents (age 12 and up) presenting with anxiety and depression as a result of several factors, including issues stemming from the pandemic, social and racial turmoil, and the political climate.
“The high level of uncertainty is affecting adolescents differently than adults,” said Felicia Houston, a community development liaison and licensed counselor at Ingalls Memorial. “Physical distancing and the inability for children and teens to spend time with friends has been negatively impacting their social development and causing psychological trouble like worry, sadness and fear.”
Teens and young adults lost out on important graduation ceremonies, proms and dances, and other milestone events. Some have lost a family member due to COVID-19 or had a parent or guardian lose a job.
Although returning to school for some has reunited friends and classmates, many students remain concerned about their safety at school.
Not surprisingly, as stress levels grow, medical evidence suggests that adolescents are at risk for a host of problems, even into adulthood — from anxiety and depression to poor physical health.
Parents should pay attention to any behavioral changes that could indicate a child’s need for professional mental healthcare. Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. The following symptoms may indicate a child or teen is depressed, particularly if they last for more than two weeks:
» Poor performance in school
» Sadness or hopelessness
» Irritability, anger or hostility
» Tearfulness or frequent crying
» Withdrawal from friends and family
» Loss of interest in activities
» Lack of enthusiasm or motivation
» Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
» Restlessness and agitation
Here are a few steps that adults can take to provide stability and support for children and teens:
» Maintain a normal routine to provide structure for their day.
» Talk less and listen more during conversations.
» Acknowledge that you also are unsure or scared but hope to get through the difficult times together.
» Show them healthy coping mechanisms like family walks, yoga, meditation, journaling or coloring.
If a child requires additional help, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. Ingalls offers an outpatient treatment program designed specifically for adolescents that includes an after-school program that teaches life skills, anger management, coping skills, selfesteem building, stress management and social-skills training.