In collaboration with Fresh toast
The pandemic has affected us all in different ways, but a particularly sensitive subset has been that of adolescents. The lack of school and structure, which could have been fun during the first two months of the pandemic, has long since disappeared. Teenagers are now facing full schedules and schoolwork, crowded with all sorts of pandemic problems.
This new generation of teens has grown up with social media, an element that has increased social anxiety in people of all ages. However, for teens, social media has played a key role at a suggestive time in their lives, increasing anxiety and depression and making them compare themselves to their peers, thinking that everyone is doing it. they pass better than them. It is the epicenter of FOMO.
In a pandemic, these anxieties are multiplied by ten.
According to a national survey, 46% of parents say their teen’s mental health has worsened. CDC reports that the number of young people aged 12 to 17 in emergency rooms for mental health reasons has increased by 31% in 2020 compared to 2019 figures.
RELATED: Teenagers have less time to deal with their friends and are more lonely than ever
After talking to experts and analyzing the data, the New York News reports that while staying isolated and away from school is a big stress factor, the biggest problem for teens is the pressure they face to achieve their goals.
By Time: “Nearly half of all students reported that the pressure to do well in school had increased since 2019 and more than half said their stress related to school in general had increased. Grades, workload, time management, lack of sleep, and fears at university were the most cited sources of stress. These discoveries took place in several socioeconomically diverse schools. “
Many students say their parents have maintained their expectations with grades and behaviors throughout the pandemic, regardless of the additional stress they are exposed to.
RELATED: Adolescents struggle with mental health amid COVID-19
When dealing with these issues and dealing with teens, CNN provides some helpful tips. “I encourage parents to look for any significant changes in their child’s mood or behavior due to anxiety and worry. Stressed children may present with irritants, avoidances, and even withdrawal. or their stress may manifest in physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, stomach problems, and difficulty sleeping. “
It is recommended to monitor the behaviors of adolescents, observing if they have a short temperament, get angry more than usual or show other behaviors out of the norm. Talking, listening, and creating a safe space for teens can help them sort out their feelings and feel safe.
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