2020 feels both like an eon ago and like yesterday. Lockdowns, mask mandates, and social distancing were more than disruptions to daily life — they transformed the way people interacted with each other and the world.
For teens, the effects of the pandemic have been profound. The past four years might feel like a blip to adults, but a teen just entering adolescence in 2020 has done a lot of growing up since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Understanding the impact of COVID on teenage mental health and the lasting effects of this experience can help parents, teachers, and teens themselves navigate the challenges of this new normal.
Find out more about the effects of the pandemic on adolescent mental health and what you can expect for the future from the experts at Ascend.
The Impact of COVID on Teenage Mental Health
Research shows a definitive increase in mental health concerns throughout the pandemic that has lasted long after. Here are the most common struggles teens are experiencing.
1. Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma
One study from Columbia University found that the effects of the pandemic on teens have been associated with an increase in depression, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms.1 This is not surprising given the sudden changes and uncertainties that teens faced during the pandemic.
These findings are echoed in a report from the National Institute of Mental Health, which notes that teens assessed after pandemic shutdowns showed more anxiety and depression symptoms and greater internalizing problems than their peers in the years before.2
2. Brain Age
One surprising find from these reports is that teens who were assessed after the lockdowns had older-looking brain ages compared to their pre-pandemic peers. This suggests that one of the effects of the pandemic on teens is that it physically aged their brains, making them more susceptible to mental health issues. The parts of the brain responsible for memory and stress regulation showed particular damage.
3. Substance Use
The last big effect of the pandemic on teens is that they drank less alcohol during the early days of the pandemic, but as lockdowns ended, they started drinking more. However, one positive trend since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic is that teens are using fewer cigarettes and e-cigarettes than they were before.
Ways to Help Teen Mental Health Post-Pandemic
The effects of the pandemic on teens don’t have to hold them back from living fulfilling lives. Here are some tips for parents and teens to support mental health in a post-pandemic world:
- Talk with a professional – Talking with a therapist is an invaluable tool for mental health. Processing tough emotions, working through trauma, and developing coping strategies are all ways a therapist can help teens.
- Establish routines – Getting good sleep is one of the easiest ways to support better mental health. Make eight hours of sleep a priority, and talk to parents or other adults in your life if you feel like there’s something preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.
- Stay connected – Hang out with friends, connect with family, and make time for the fun stuff. School, jobs, and other responsibilities can be overwhelming, but taking breaks to connect with loved ones can help reduce stress.
- Practice self-care – Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and face masks (although those things are great!). It’s also about setting boundaries, prioritizing your needs, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress. Whether it’s journaling, exercising, or doing a creative hobby, find what brings you joy and make time for it.
- Seek support – It’s okay to not be okay. If you’re feeling the impact of COVID on teenage mental health, reach out to trusted adults or friends when you’re struggling. No one has to go through tough times alone.
The effects of the pandemic on adolescent mental health might seem negative, but there’s hope. With support, understanding, and self-care, teens can thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Get in Touch with Ascend Today
Ready to learn more about how Ascend can help with the effects of the pandemic on teens? We have a variety of treatment programs that focus on specific mental health concerns at varying levels of care. Call 310.388.3713 or reach out online to find out how we can support every teen’s mental health journey.
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