According to a Penn State video,
a whopping 47% of American teenagers are diagnosed with a mental health issue.
And that was pre-COVID.
Needless to say, the COVID-19
pandemic has exacerbated everyone’s mental health, parents and children alike.
Teens heading into this unprecedented time with existing issues have an
especially hard time of it.
A helpful article New York Times
columnist and psychologist Lisa Damour directly addresses teens, instructs families
on how to help themselves through these tough days by acknowledging problems
and recognizing what Damour calls teens’ “superpowers.”
As all parents of teens know, this
particular age group experiences emotions with a notable intensity. This can mean
more dramatic anxiety and depression but can also offer higher levels of
happiness at little things, like a favorite video game, movie, or music. Damour
calls these positive emotions “superpowers,” and suggests emphasizing those
small joys as much as possible, even if parents do not understand the level of
enthusiasm.
READ MORE: Tech tips for struggling teens
Damour also advises teens to
recognize their innate abilities to rationalize, in a good way: “… you might
notice that the anger you feel about your disrupted school days gives way to an
appreciation for your growing self-sufficiency. Shifting from exasperation to
rationalization maintains your connection to what’s happening while reducing
the emotional charge.”
The pep talk goes on
with: “Your mind is built to help you through this hard time. Put stock in
its ability to keep your emotional current at manageable levels.”
Not surprisingly, Damour points out
the importance of sleep and physical activity, especially now, as we are all
experiencing more sedentary time than ever.
READ MORE: Time for new window treatments in my son's room
Of course, the advice Damour offers
to struggling teens is helpful for adults, too. Perhaps her most salient advice
is for us all to endeavor to focus on what we can control. Accept that, as
Damour writes, much will “go sideways” this year, but we can still be helpful
to others, get better at certain things that we choose, and be good friends.
Finally, she reminds readers it’s OK to be resentful and angry, but that
everyone can, with some effort, use that energy for good.
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