Helping Teens Adjust To Life Post-COVID

 

The novel coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, traveled rampantly through the world, affecting millions of individuals in a variety of ways. Many states across America implemented stay-at-home orders for all non-essential workers, in efforts to slow the spread of the virus. For many this meant forced closures of restaurants, schools, entertainment venues and more. Those that contracted and endured the virus will be forever impacted by its severity, and for every individual that died from COVID-19, did so alone with loved one’s unable to be by their side. Many have and continue to face financial hardship as the economy struggles to regain its security. The world was ill prepared for this pandemic and the emotional repercussions will no doubt be astounding. As society begins to adapt to this new normal that was forced upon us by the pandemic, we must arm our teenagers with effective tools to help them adjust to life post COVID. 

How To Help

It is important to bear in mind that although teenagers have had to endure living through the pandemic, the natural challenges that young people are faced with during adolescence did not let up. Adolescence is a time period filled with extensive physiological growth and maturation. Every teenager is unique and will process, integrate, and learn the various lessons of life at their own pace and in their own way. The effects on teenagers of living during the COVID pandemic remain unknown. Therefore, in helping your teen adjust to life post COVID it can be advantageous to consider general acclimation tactics and broad coping strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Consider the following:

• Encourage healthy habits. Some of the habits developed during the pandemic may have been invaluable to surviving during the pandemic, but are likely no longer applicable. Help your teenager shift unhealthy habits by encouraging regular exercise, getting ample nightly sleep, eating nutritiously and more.
• Create an emotionally safe environment for your teen to express his or her feeling. Encouraging your teen to face his or her uncomfortable emotions can help them learn how to effectively navigate an array of feeling. 
• Give your teen the opportunity to fix his or her own problems. Even though you have just witnessed your teen endure an incredibly challenging time, do not try to fix your teenager’s problems for them. It is important to be a support system for your teen and allow them the space to brainstorm solutions and implement them on their own. 
• Empower your teenager. Make sure you tell your teenager that they are fully equipped to manage and overcome challenges that come their way. 

If you feel that your teenager is struggling beyond your capabilities as a parent it is best to err on the side of caution and consult a qualified mental health professional. At the vary least, they can provide you with further guidance as to how to continue to best support your teenager. 

For Information and Support

Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacificrtc.com.