We all have been affected by the Global pandemic that has spread all over the world; some have been affected, others have loved ones or people whom they know who are suffering from the disease, but all of us teenagers have experienced changes in our lives as a result of the transmission of disease. Schools have been shut down, we haven’t been able to see our friends, our AP exams and finals have all been really messed up this year adding so much unneeded anxiety upon us all now, and graduation and prom have all been cancelled. It’s been a crazy last few months, and now in quarantine, we are all feeling the heartbreak of not being able to visit with our friends and enjoy the beautiful summers.

These teenage years are the time at which people are easily susceptible to external influences and build social connections and friendships which will remain with them throughout their lives. Additionally, it is the time at which emotional control and development are building up in teenagers, and the pandemic has a direct effect on teenage emotions, causing feelings ranging from fear, to stress, and to anxiety. As responsibilities start to build up and loneliness starts to seep in, quarantine certainly poses challenges to the mental health of teenagers, whose developing brains are already susceptible to external changes.

It is important that all of us teenagers are aware of the changes their brains are going through during adolescence, that we remain aware of all the struggles that we face during this time so that we can be better equipped to cope through these challenges that are heightened by the isolation and quarantine caused by the global pandemic.

It may seem hard, but there are steps we can all take to limit the stress and anxiety we are all feeling. With summer around the corner, spend some time to talk to friends via zoom or a phone call and while it just isn’t like meeting them in person, it will help compensate for the feelings of loneliness.

Spend more time with family or pick up a new hobby (like baking or playing the guitar). Being productive helps us feel like we’ve done something with our day and gives a sense of accomplishment and pride.

And so, while we struggle with isolation, it is important that we focus on the positives, find ways to socialize with others and keep our spirits up, and try to combat the feelings of anxiety and stress that attempt to take over our bodies during quarantine.

 

Works Cited

 

Maes, Nancy MaesNancy. “How COVID-19 Impacts Teens’ Mental Health.” Chicago Health, 1 May 2020, chicagohealthonline.com/how-covid-19-impacts-teens-mental-health/

“Isolation, Lockdown and Quarantine Anxiety.” Kids Helpline, 28 Aug. 2020, kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/covid-19-quarantine-isolation-and-lockdown

Bissell, Jordan. “How Does Zoom Work? Video Calls for School and Business.” Bark, Bark, 29 May 2020, www.bark.us/blog/how-does-zoom-work/

“Apprehensions, Anticipations Post Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Orders Surface In Search.” Apprehensions, Anticipations Post Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Orders Surface In Search 05/19/2020, www.mediapost.com/publications/article/351524/apprehensions-anticipations-post-covid-19-stay-at.html

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/04/tips-to-help-teens-cope-during-covid-19/