Keep Calm when Under Pandemic

With the Covid-19 pandemic, I think some, if not many of us, find ourselves struggling to cope with the consequences of the current situation. Some of you may be thinking “What does the pandemic have anything to do with mental health?” It does. Actually, more than you would think.

The Covid-19 pandemic brings about fear and anxiety. People are scared for the health of their loved ones, stressed over jobs and rent, and feeling overwhelmed more than ever. I’m sure that a lot of us also want to go out and have fun with our friends. But, with social distancing happening, feelings of loneliness, and even depression have increased (1). Maybe you’re the type of person who loves going out to parties, or maybe going out was simply your escape of not having to deal with matters at home. Whatever it may be, Covid-19 has definitely taken a toll on all of us. So, it’s really no surprise when we start to neglect our mental health.

But first, what is mental health?

Mental health is more than just not having a disorder or an illness. It has to do with our psychological, emotional, and social well-being (2). About 1 in 5 teens in the U.S. suffer from severe cases of mental illness, but 100% of us have mental health, which is why it’s important we look after it. Mental health affects the way we think, feel, act, and determines the way we cope with stress in life. It’s fundamental to our well-being and our health. Mental health is important at any age, but adolescents are especially vulnerable to mental health problems at this stage because the rational part of our brains are still developing. Research shows that our brains won’t be fully developed until the age of 25, and even then, some believe that our brain continues to develop throughout our life span (3). We [teens] tend to fuel our actions using our emotions, which most times lead to us not making the right decisions. You know the phrase “think before you act”? Yeah, that kinda doesn’t exist in our dictionary. I don’t know about you, but I can definitely say for sure that rational thinking is not the first thing that comes to my mind in a heated moment. Mood swings also happen frequently with teens. In case you didn’t already know, it is completely normal for a teen to go from smiling all rainbows in one minute, to glaring daggers at you the next. So no worries there! This is simply because of the chemical changes in our brain due to puberty, causing us to feel frequent irritability and frustration (4). But, if you notice your mood swings being so severe that they start to affect your daily life, it can be a sign of a bigger problem (4).

So, what are some ways we can take care of our mental health?

• Talk about your Feelings:

You may find this hard to do, but trust me, it really does help. I hated the idea of talking about your feelings, and to be honest, I still hate it sometimes. I kept all my feelings bottled up, and it didn’t feel very good. Be brave and take that step. You’ll find yourself not only in a better place, but improving the relationship between you and that one person.

• Keep Active:

Regularly exercising can boost your energy, concentration, and even help you sleep better. It definitely doesn’t have to be anything intense, and it definitely doesn’t have to take long. Going for light walks, or doing some light stretches for a couple of minutes will still work wonders for your body, brain, and health. Plus, exercising can help take your mind off whatever is stressing you out.

• Eat Well:

Your brain needs good nutrients to stay healthy and function well. Being physically healthy will also improve your mental health. After all, “good food is good mood”.

• Keep in Touch:

Be it friends or family, we all need someone there for us, especially during this time. We may not be able to go out and meet friends or family, but remember, you can always call and see them face-to-face.

• Take a Break:

Know your limits. There’s nothing wrong with taking a 5 minute break, even if you’re extremely busy. You might find yourself more productive and energetic after a quick break. Make time for yourself.

• Love yourself for who you are:

This is perhaps the most important. Self-love is definitely something we should all practice. Feeling good about yourself is the best way to take care of your mental health. This one may be a toughie, so let’s work hard together!

• Ask for Help:

It’s totally okay to need help. In fact, it makes you brave for acknowledging it, and doing something about it. After all, we’re only human.

(5)

If you are going through something, and need someone to talk to, visit Crisis Text Line. For more information on how to look after your mental health, click here. If you’re having a hard time coping with Covid-19, click here. Want to learn more about teen mental health? Check out this infographic. Lastly, it’s important to know the warning signs of having a mental illness. Click here to ensure you’re getting the right start.

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Works Cited

(1) "Coping with Stress." CDC, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 1 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html#:~:text=The%20coronavirus%20disease%202019%20(,services%20you%20rely%20on. Accessed 7 Aug. 2020.

(2) "How to look after your mental health." Mental Health Foundation, www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health. Accessed 7 Aug. 2020.

(3) "Understanding the Teen Brain." University of Rochester Medical Center, U of Rochester Medical Center, www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=3051. Accessed 7 Aug. 2020.

(4) Morin, Amy. Are My Teenager's Mood Swings Normal? Verywell Family, Dotdash, 18 Jan. 2020, www.verywellfamily.com/are-my-teens-mood-swings-normal-2611240#:~:text=Mood%20swings%20during%20adolescence%20are,changes%20occurring%20inside%20their%20brains. Accessed 7 Aug. 2020.

(5) "What Is Mental Health?" MentalHealth, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 28 May 2020, www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health. Accessed 7 Aug. 2020.