The COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous physical and mental health concerns for adolescents. Even those in positive environments with ample support may struggle with isolation and fear of the unknown. When the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents is too much, it could lead to problems for years to come. Our Toledo mental health center offers adolescents access to qualified therapists with excellent track records in the community.
How Has Adolescents’ Mental Health Been Impacted by COVID-19?
What changes have you seen in your adolescent since the onset of this condition? When it comes to adolescent and teen mental health, look for subtle and significant changes that you think are out of the ordinary. Here are some examples of what others have struggled with thanks to coronavirus.
- Isolating and pull away from friends and family, no longer wanting to do anything
- Feeling intense fear, nightmares, or unexplained apprehension about things they should be confident in
- Struggling academically or with athletics, if that’s not normal for them
- Outbursts that relate to being afraid, anxious, or angry
- Expressing feelings of being ill, such as feeling a pounding heartbeat, dizzy, or stomach pain not otherwise explained
When an adolescent is struggling with something as significant as COVID-19, recognize those signs. They may need help working through these challenges with support and guidance from parents, friends, and professionals.
The Right Therapist Can Help Your Adolescent Thrive!
An investment in mental health is critical for any adolescent. Because their brains are growing and still developing, the experiences they have now–and how they manage them—can impact them for years to come. Over time, unresolved anxiety can lead to health concerns, mental health disorder development, and a lack of self-confidence. Over time, an adolescent may struggle with day-to-day tasks. Teens may struggle as well and may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate those symptoms.
The better option is to encourage adolescents to open up about what they are thinking and feeling. The impact of COVID-19 on adolescents does not have to last for the rest of their life. While they will remember this time and may have some negative feelings about it, those feelings don’t have to impact their ability to live healthy, productive lives. What you do now to help your son or daughter can play a big role in their long-term well-being.
How to Improve Adolescents’ Mental Health
Recognizing the importance of adolescent and teen mental health, what can you do to support them and help minimize the pandemic’s impact on their futures?
Reach out to your son or daughter to openly talk about what’s happening. Let them lead the conversation. Allow them to ask questions even if you don’t have all of the answers.
Invest in time for fun. Even if adolescents cannot spend as much time with friends or family in the way they used to, there are still ways they can have fun and socialize. Look for ways to do this, such as socially distanced picnics or outings. Even playing games online with friends can create important interactions.
Know when it is important to get help for adolescents’ mental health. If you are unsure your adolescent is doing okay, reach out to our team. We offer a range of therapy to help, including:
- Mental health assessment and diagnosis services
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication management services
- Day treatments and after-school programs
- Telehealth services
Find an Adolescent Psychologist in Toledo!
Recognizing the risks of mental health concerns can help your adolescent move forward. If you think your adolescent might be struggling with anxiety, depression, or just day-to-day life, it’s important to invest in help. Our team at Beyond Healthcare can provide the guidance you need. Learn more about our mental health services when you call 833.698.0453 or reach out to us online.
