During the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we live our lives has changed dramatically. Many people have stopped going to work or school in order to slow the spread of the virus, attending classes and taking care of responsibilities virtually instead. While social distancing has slowed the spread of COVID-19, isolation can have unintended negative consequences to our mental health.
Quarantine and mental health issues may be linked due to the uncertainty of the pandemic’s spread and increasing social isolation. For teens who have faced pending school openings, the loss of a sports season and milestones like prom and the first day of school, this time is likely to be challenging.
Although quarantine and mental health issues can be concerning, using a mental health checklist will help your teen understand what they’re experiencing. If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues as a result of quarantine, Ascend Healthcare offers long-term mental health treatment programs that teach them how to manage their concerns.
How Are Quarantine and Mental Health Issues Linked?
Social distancing, disruptions to routines, and uncertainty about the future can all lead to mental health challenges. Fear and anxiety can quickly spiral out of control, especially in teens and young adults who have not developed healthy coping skills for stress. If your loved one has a diagnosed mental health condition, it’s important to be aware of the effects that quarantine can have.
Finding ways to stay connected to others can comfort your teen during this challenging time. Virtual get-togethers, outdoor visits, and family time can ensure they feel supported and loved.
A Mental Health Checklist Can Help
During quarantine, stay alert for the following signs of mental health struggles in your teen:
- Are they sleeping far more or less than usual?
- Have they expressed fears about the pandemic, like worries about becoming ill?
- Have they spent days without going outside?
- Are they eating a lot more or less than usual?
- Have they lost interest in hobbies and activities they once loved?
- Did they miss an important life event, like a sports season, prom, or first day of college?
- Has your teen expressed feelings of hopelessness?
- Do they have an existing mental health condition or issues with substance abuse?
- Have they stopped talking to friends?
While one or two of the signs on this mental health checklist might not be cause for concern, if your teen has displayed a number of these, it could be time to address their struggles.
What Can You Do?
To help your teen with quarantine and their mental health, there are a few things you can do.
- Reach out! Talking to a therapist allows them to deal with their fears head on.
- Spend more time outside! Getting fresh air and sunshine is a mood-booster.
- Exercise as a family when you go for walks, do yoga, and get moving.
- Encourage your teen to stay connected through video calls or distanced hangouts.
- Take breaks from the news to give your mind a break from thinking about the pandemic.
Some teens may need a little more guidance than just outpatient mental health treatment or spending more time with friends. If you’re seeing a significant decline in their mental health or happiness, you might consider contacting a teen mental health treatment center like Ascend. There, your teen will learn to address their concerns, gain healthy coping mechanisms, and find support through a healthy family system.
Contact Ascend for Mental Health Support During Quarantine
If this mental health checklist has shown you that your child is struggling, our treatment programs can help. Contact our admissions team at 310.388.3713 to learn more about Ascend Healthcare’s programs and how we can help your teen with quarantine and mental health issues.
