The Impact of the Pandemic on Youth Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some way, and young people are no exception. Social isolation, disrupted routines, and the uncertainty of the future all contribute to stress and anxiety for youth. Study shows that anxiety and depression levels among children and teenagers are higher than ever before.
Ways to Support Youth Mental Health
Encourage Physical Activity
Physical activity is a powerful tool for fighting depression and anxiety. Parents and caregivers should encourage kids to move their bodies every day. Whether it’s taking a walk around the neighborhood, riding a bike or doing a yoga session, movement helps to reduce stress and tension in the body.
Provide Emotional Support
Children may have a difficult time verbalizing their feelings, but it’s important to create a safe space where they can talk about what’s on their mind. Be sure to listen actively when your child wants to share something important, and acknowledge their feelings with empathy and validation.
Connect Them With Mental Health Resources
Feeling distressed or overwhelmed is not unusual in times of crisis, but for some children, it can be too much to handle alone. Mental health resources are available to help support children and teens struggling with mental health issues. Encourage your child to speak with a counselor or therapist, who can provide resources like coping skills to manage stress.
Leverage Technology
Technology can be a valuable tool for supporting youth mental health during the pandemic. Fostering connections through video chat with friends and family members can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. In addition, there are a variety of online resources available, including apps that teach mindfulness and meditation, and websites that offer mental health assessments and self-guided therapy sessions.
The Role of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
Community-based organizations (CBOs) have played an important role in supporting youth mental health during the pandemic. They provide a range of services through different programs and campaigns to support youth’s emotional and psychological wellbeing. CBOs should provide the following:
Accessible Services
CBOs should aim to make their services easily available to youth in need. This includes providing services through digital channels, offering helplines for those in crisis, and ensuring their services are affordable for everyone.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaborating with other organizations and health care providers can increase the impact of CBOs. It is crucial that they work together to connect youth to the different mental health resources in the community.
Creating Safe Spaces
Community organizations should focus on creating safe spaces that foster positive relationships and support youth in a trauma-informed way. These spaces should be inclusive and culturally responsive, and embrace diversity and intersectionality.
Conclusion
The pandemic has presented many challenges to youth mental health, but there are ways to support children and teens during this time. By encouraging physical activity, providing emotional support, leveraging technology, and connecting them with mental health resources, parents and caregivers can help youth navigate their mental health during the pandemic. Additionally, CBOs play a crucial role in supporting youth mental health by making their services accessible, engaging in collaboration and partnerships, and creating safe spaces. Kelowna Youth Counselling, investigate the external material we’ve chosen to supplement your study. Inside, you’ll discover worthwhile viewpoints and fresh angles on the topic discussed in the piece.
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