Pandemic Pain and Young People

Teens need peer interaction and emotional validation to grow mentally healthy. So, isolation for teens during the pandemic is difficult. It’s not just a drag, it’s a risk issue because over one-third of teens periodically have suicidal thoughts. Not knowing when "normal" will return adds to their anxiety. As a parent, trust your gut. If your teenager demonstrates agitated behavior, moodiness, problems with self-motivation, disinterest in school, or is apathetic with unusual sleeping and eating patterns, talk to a professional counselor. A simple assessment may help identify a mental disorder and prevent self-harming behavior or even suicide.

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Source: Rutgers.edu [search "teens, pandemic"]

Keith Stein | 1/28/2021