Teen mental health

The global Covid-19 pandemic has affected us all, either directly or indirectly. Uncertainty, fear, restrictions, lockdowns, and social distancing have brought about changes that challenge us socially, emotionally, and mentally. We reached out to a group of teens to show us what life during the last year has looked like through their eyes.

To gain a better understanding of how parents and caregivers can help during this time, we took a look at how teenagers define mental wellbeing and then asked them if they felt that the pandemic had affected their own health; what the most difficult changes were for them since it started; and, so importantly, whether they feel positive that life will improve.

The answers we received were both insightful and somewhat heart breaking. They affirmed that there has never been a more critical time to give young people tools they can use to cope with, and conquer, the unprecedented pressures the pandemic has brought about.

Do you feel the pandemic has affected your mental wellbeing?

• “Being in lockdown and having to self[1]isolate has impacted me hugely. I find that I’m always down; the feeling of being alone is torture and I’m not motivated to do anything anymore.”
• “It was initially difficult and frustrating to adapt to this new way of living especially being cooped up for months on end, online learning and only seeing friends on a screen. Getting into a positive routine really helped to make things easier.”
• “I’m inside more and it gives me more time to overthink things.”
• “Social interaction has disappeared, and I really miss seeing my friends and interacting with them on a daily basis and having a laugh and chatting about everything.”
• “I struggle with severe anxiety and the sudden change in routine and day-to-day life exacerbated these feelings and struggles. Sometimes music helps me feel less alone and serves as a form of comfort and grounding.” What has been the most difficult change for you since the pandemic started?
• “The social aspect has been incredibly difficult for me; these are supposed to be the best years of our lives as teenagers. Wearing a mask all day at school is awful.”
• “The most difficult thing has been not being able to see my friends and do what I would normally do like go to a movie or have a sleepover.”
• “It’s hard having to try to do schoolwork from home and not having a teacher at hand to ask questions there and then.

Do you feel positive things will get better and life will go back to normal?

• “I think the world will have to accept this new normal and adapt to it in order for life to regain meaning and feel as close to normal for any of us again.”
• “Yes, I do feel positive. I can’t change the global pandemic, I just have to learn to adapt and cope emotionally to the ‘new normal’. I am hopeful to still reach my goals.”
• “I don’t think things will ever go back to normal.”
• “I feel that things will improve as everyone wants the same thing and will contribute to making that happen by following the guidelines as best they can – this keeps me going.”

The role of yoga, mindfulness and meditation
The teen years are tough as it is – both physically and mentally – but it is clear the pandemic is leaving teenagers feeling depressed and isolated. We can help adolescents to find inner peace, breathe through difficult situations, build up confidence and also get much-needed physical exercise while sports and other physical activities are limited.