There won’t be the usual graduation for 2020 seniors. No more prom. No more parties or sleepovers with friends. No more being in a normal classroom for a while, seeing our teachers face to face. A lot has changed over these past few months. We’ve been thrown into this whirlwind of Zoom calls, unconventional schedules, new definitions for our “normal,” and lots of extra, extra family bonding time. Being a teenager is often hard enough, but throw in a global pandemic and things get a lot more challenging.
As the number of cases continues to increase around the world, we have all been forced to stay inside our homes and advised to comply with social distancing norms. While this is the most effective way of containing the virus, it is also important to consider the effects it may have on mental health, especially that of teenagers.
During the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally characterizes adolescence, teenagers have a more heightened response to stress. As a result of the various stresses faced due to the pandemic, teens are more likely to feel overwhelmed with negative emotions, whether it be fear, anxiety, loneliness, or sadness.
Adolescents usually spend the majority of their time at school, surrounded by friends. Peers and classmates have the most influence; helping form identities, thoughts, and opinions. The cancellation of school has meant that we must turn to parents/grandparents and rely on them for emotional support. Given that adults are working from home, their work never seems to end with countless calls and online meetings, they themselves are having a challenging time coping with conflicting priorities. The notably long periods we now spend with family can lead to tension and arguments, something that can hinder emotional wellbeing. Not to mention, missing both the formal school hours and the frequent chit-chat and fun activities with our friends, life may seem monotonous and boring.
Another emotion that teenagers might experience is that quarantine limits our identities. A lot of the factors that shaped and gave support to our identities are no longer within our reach. Group identities provide us with a feeling of security and provide a much-needed sense of belonging and space where our ideas and feelings are valued. It’s so much easier to relate and make our feelings understood! This sense of community being harshly taken away is a devastating feeling.
In an age where each of us is trying to venture out and get a sense of independence and autonomy, being restrained to our houses hinders personal growth and prevents us from realizing our full potential. The fear of missing out on the crucial academic and emotional growth of the final years in high school haunts some of us. Not having as effective a lesson online as compared to a classroom session, not being able to enjoy unforgettable experiences and make fun memories with the people we love, not being able to do so many of the things high schoolers have done for years in the past is extremely disheartening. It seems like this is time we will never get back. It becomes frustrating and many of us even feel that it’s unfair
Having considered the various issues and their impact on emotional wellbeing, what can one do to address them? Where exactly is the light at the end of this seemingly dark tunnel? It surely can’t just be limited to venting out our problems, right?
We first need to acknowledge that we live in complex times and this is the “new normal.”
The faster we accept and readjust our lives to this reality, the sooner we will feel back in control of our destiny. Life needs to go on and we must make the best out of every situation – worrying about what has happened or anxiety about what may happen will only engender fear and inaction.
Instead of feeling like a victim, we need to access our resourcefulness, creativity, intelligence, and evolve self-care strategies. Taking care of our body & mind, connecting with friends, asking for & getting help when needed is crucial. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, indulging in some physical activity, limiting screen time, finding time to relax and recharge are ways to keep our body fit. Setting priorities, sharpening skills, limiting exposure to news, pursuing a hobby, doing something for others, sharing concerns with a loved one, and being thankful for what we have will ensure emotional wellbeing.
The point is, what is our mindset in the face of this challenge? If it is one that is seeking strategies to cope and make the best of the situation, we will be on the path to growth, new possibilities and new beginnings! Stay safe and healthy. This too shall pass!
Srishti Gummaraju is an international student pursuing high school studies in Kyiv. She is an avid reader, linguist, active student community member, interested in exploring new cultures, and hopes to pursue higher studies in communications and international relations.
