“Many people are facing mental health issues, and you can’t know who is suffering. People should take this opportunity to check on their loved ones and even strangers to know how they’re coping. Let us come together and help our community so that nobody will be left behind.” Marc Liberati, UNV chairperson
Youth Mental Health Priority During Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused anger, grief, and anxiety for many youths. This has significantly affected their mental health. In addition, the pandemic has made families lose their financial stability and has disrupted schooling and the normal life of the youths. As governments worked hard in containing the virus by enforcing strict measures like quarantine, social distancing, and closure of schools, many youths found it hard to deal with the new normal.
The increase of mental health cases among the youth has made many governments respond to mental health issues. Studies across Europe have shown that over 60% of UK children have been mentally disturbed by the pandemic. Parents have noticed that their children are having a difficult time concentrating.
Symptoms Of Mental Health Crisis Among The Youths
Are you suspecting that your child is mentally disturbed but don’t know the symptoms? The mental health of youth has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the signs of mental health crisis among the youths.
• Change in eating and sleeping habits
• Avoiding family and friends
• Developing irritable behaviours such as bullying others
• Not being able to control their anger
• Feeling very down
• Drinking a lot and using other drugs
• Failing to do things they enjoy
• Worrying constantly
• Performing poorly in school
• Not taking care of themselves
• Experiencing uncontrollable mood swigs
• Anxiety
Parents are advised to pay attention to such signs to seek help at the early stages.
How Youths and Their Family Members Can Cope with Covid-19?
The youth are the future of society, and the government and parents should help improve their well-being. Here is how the family members and youths can cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.
1. Parents should set the tone: Parents are the pacesetters in their house, and expressing extreme fear can affect the youth. Instead, parents should stay positive and encourage the youths.
2. Building a new normal: The youth should be encouraged to adapt to the new normal. Many governments are involving the youths in creating awareness about how they can remain productive during this pandemic.
3. Support of family: Family members should support the youth by answering their questions as well as share the facts about Covid-19.
4. Parents support: Parents should spend time together with their teenagers and do meaningful activities like playing board games and reading together.
5. Letting the youths feel their emotions: Covid-19 has led to the closure of schools, sports matches, concerts and many other things that most youth spend their time in. Parents need to understand them and let them vent out their anger. Family members need to support them during this difficult time.
6. Seek professional help: If you or a family member are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, seek professional help. Many mental health providers offer virtual counseling or therapy sessions.
Steps That Youth Should Take to Prevent A mental Health Crisis
Sadly, since the pandemic hit the world, many children and young people have experienced anxiety and depression. However, as a youth, there are different methods you can use to prevent a mental health crisis.
• Improving their overall mental & physical health: This can be achieved by eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise
• Since the Covid-19 doesn’t encourage social gatherings, young people should be given the freedom to play outdoors and indoors while observing the guidelines.
• Youths should spend most of their time with their loved one
• Through going to schools that are concerned about their well being
• Engaging themselves in local recreational activities
• Sharing their worries with their parents so that they can get emotional support
How Youths Improve Their Mental Health During Covid-19?
The Covid-19 has made people change their way of living. As a result, teenagers and youths feel isolated, anxious and disappointed because they can’t do what they used to do. To prevent experiencing a mental health crisis, they should adopt the following.
• Recognizing that feeling anxious is normal: The disruption of the everyday routine is making many youths anxious. Psychologists are advising the youths to use that moment to make a decision. In addition, youths should ensure they’ve notified their parents about the issue so that they can get support.
• Creating distractions: When the youths feel down because of the chronically difficult condition, it’s important to engage in something they like. For example, they can watch movies, read or engage in fun activities with their family members.
• By finding new ways to connect with loved ones: People now need to practise social distance and quarantine themselves, unlike in the past when people met and mingled. However, you can still connect with your friends and family through social media platforms as a youth. However, the youths should be careful about what they do on social media since they might collect the wrong information, increasing anxiety.
• The youths should focus on their well-being: During this pandemic, the youth should focus on improving themselves. They can explore and learn new things. That way, they will develop a routine that will make them more productive. They will also not engage themselves in bad habits like drug abuse.
Conclusion
Mental health is a crossroad between psychological, physical and emotional well-being. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to social isolation, loss of jobs, quarantine, and death, making many youths experience anxiety, grief, and depression. However, youths across the globe are joining the initiative to address and create awareness about mental health. Youths can help control the mental health issue by accepting the new normal, finding alternative ways to connect with their friends and many more. Parents are also encouraged to support their young adults suffering from mental health issues.
Reference:
UNICEF report spotlights on the mental health impact of COVID-19 in children and young people
