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Digital Health: New Approach Toward Self-care
As the world emerges from the pandemic, it is becoming apparent that Generation Z were disproportionately affected by isolation and lack of connection to peers.
Teens are dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues due to long periods of school absence, abrupt changes in friendship groups, and lack of physical contact with their peers.
In addition, according to Unicef, pre-existing mental health issues surrounding emotional problems, socioeconomic deprivation, and other challenges have been further exacerbated by the pandemic.
In this article, we look at the importance of understanding how Covid has impacted young people in particular. It helps society better support now and as they move into adulthood and the workforce.
The Impact of Isolation on Mental Health
Generation Z may have felt particularly isolated during the lockdown due to limited or no access they had to physical social connections. The importance of peer relationships especially for older teens cannot be overstated. Without these connections, anxiety appears to have spiked among them.
After long periods of absence from school and hobbies, friendship groups that would shift gradually under normal circumstances have changed quite abruptly for some. Social media may have provided a way for older teenagers to stay connected but ultimately, its positive impact is limited when compared with physical contact with friends and counteracted with many negative aspects.
In addition, the sudden changes in friendship groups due to school closures could cause feelings of rejection or abandonment among some teenagers. If these feelings are not addressed properly, they can lead to depression or other negative thought patterns and behaviors that can further erode their mental health in years to come.
Moving into the post-pandemic years, global research data is starting to confirm early concerns and warning signs worldwide.
CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director
Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H.
The Impact of Social Media and Technology
Prior to the pandemic, many young people were already struggling with various pre-existing conditions that had an emotional and/or socio-economic aspect such as depression, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), trauma-related issues such as PTSD or substance abuse disorder (SUD).
These conditions can be difficult enough under normal circumstances but even more so during a global pandemic where additional stressors such as isolation and lack of help and therapy are present.
It is important for parents, teachers and caregivers to recognize how these conditions have compounded during the pandemic and take extra steps to ensure that those affected receive the support they need now and in years to come.
The Impact of Pre-Existing Issues
Prior to the pandemic, many young people were already struggling with various pre-existing conditions that had an emotional and/or socio-economic aspect such as depression, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), trauma-related issues such as PTSD or substance abuse disorder (SUD).
These conditions can be difficult enough under normal circumstances but even more so during a global pandemic where additional stressors such as isolation and lack of help and therapy are present.
It is important for parents, teachers and caregivers to recognize how these conditions have compounded during the pandemic and take extra steps to ensure that those affected receive the support they need now and in years to come.
Mental Health: Awareness and Support
An analysis by the London School of Economics estimated that lost contribution to economies due to mental disorders amounts to nearly €336 billion a year.
Research has shown that children and young people were impacted by the pandemic in more ways than one—mentally, physically, emotionally and socially—and it is essential that we understand how these factors have affected them in order to best support them now and how it will continue to affect them in the future.
With proper care and attention given to their mental health needs, we can help our youth thrive despite unprecedented challenges posed by this global crisis.
Through communal understanding relating to mental health issues amongst young people after COVID-19 we can work together as a society towards creating healthier lives for all individuals regardless of age or circumstance.
While individual assessments and specialized care are recommended by research and Unicef, a first step for affected youth can be to turn to online resources, such as Voices of Youth.
Caring for the Mental Health
As we move into the post-COVID-19 world, it is critical for society to come together in support and understanding regarding mental health issues amongst young people.
We must now work together as a society to ensure that we are supporting and understanding the mental health issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic amongst young people.
Through collaboration and with the help of AI, apps, education programs, and dedicated initiatives towards increasing support for vulnerable individuals, we can work together towards building a brighter future for those affected.
It is crucial that we prioritize this to ensure that young people receive the support they need as they grow into young adults. With our collective effort, we can make sure that no one is left behind in our quest towards mental stable wellbeing from childhood to adulthood.