The article discusses what can clinicals do to help their patients build resilience as they face unfortunate consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While COVID-19 has affected people across all age groups, the statistics indicate that the pandemic had a devastating effect on teens, who experienced great fear and uncertainty about their future. The visits related to psychosocial issues for children and teens increased by 24% and 31%, respectively, while the attempted suicide in summer 2020 rose by 26% among girls aged 12 to 17 compared to 2019.
Teens and social media
- 36% of teenagers found social media helped them cope with the pandemic
- For most teens, social media was the main source of information
- 53% of girls were exposed to at least 1 form of weight stigmatization, causing body dissatisfaction
- Online searches for “school bullying” and “cyberbullying” dropped by 30% to 40% in spring 2020
Using trauma-informed approach
Teens are dealing with the aftermath of isolation, closed schools, canceled events, and separation from their peers. Children and teens suffered consequences of not being able to engage in activities that previously helped to cope with stress, such as spending time outdoors, exercising, or meeting friends. Experts suggest that COVID-19 has caused symptoms similar to the ones of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, clinicians are advised to use a trauma-informed approach to care—one that considers and addresses the causes of traumatic stress.
Discussion continues whether the COVID-19 pandemic classifies as a traumatic event. Prolonged fear and sense of loneliness were proved to enforce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Building resilience
Parents and primary caregivers can help children to develop resilience by reassuring them that kids are safe, establishing healthy routines, and regulating their own emotions. Other useful tools are creativity, humor, and altruism. Children need to know that they are not alone.
Understanding resilience enables clinicians to treat the totality of a problem, not just the symptoms. Clinicals who build relationships of trust with patients can more easily identify healthy paths toward recovery.
Teens still need lots of love, reassurance, patience, and positive examples.