RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT YOUTH
It is paramount that we specifically consider and address feelings of grief, loss, and disruption for youth. While the COVID pandemic disruption may be at the forefront of concern, other events, and violence in our country due to racism and the tumultuous election have added to despair and anxiety. Adults at school and home need to encourage and model open communication and create opportunities for youth to discuss their sense of loss. Work collectively with youth, parents, educators, other trusted adults, and organizations in the community to nurture a compassionate community that provides a sense of safety and belonging for all. Establish new routines, healthy habits, and traditions to help alleviate some of the effects of trauma associated with the pandemic. Encouraging youth to focus on these will help them to be happier, less anxious, more resilient, and better equipped to accept life’s challenges as they come. One example to help manage intense emotions is by introducing mindful habits to use daily (Asby, 2020). 1) being present 2) being calm 3) being compassionate 4) being grateful 5) being reflective And, trust your gut. If you sense something is wrong, follow through and ask. Don’t wait to see if things improve without your intervention, or expect that someone else will reach out. There’s no guarantee that will happen. Support youth by telling them and showing them you care, and helping them access the help they need at school, at home or in the community. Utilize the multiple resources available for medical and mental health care. |
EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT FOR YOUTH
• Nothing is the same as it used to be COVID has changed and disrupted the lives of youth. • They feel the weight and impact of the pandemic in ways we may not fully understand. • They may not always be able to articulate what they are feeling or why they are feeling a certain way. • The brain of a youth is still developing up throughout their twenties. Thus, their coping skills and impulsivity are often challenged and limited. • Their support system has greatly diminished, and they are feeling disconnected. Friends may be in school on a different day, some friends may be fully remote learning, and others may have changed schools or towns due to a move. • They may be grappling with the loss of missed experiences taken for granted in the past such as going to the movies, dating, club/group activities, sports, concerts, attending dances and school events, or simply gathering with friends. It seems hopeless, as there is no real end in sight. • They may need more intensive intervention to help them process their emotions. It is well documented that grief may show up differently in youth than it does in adults (Pearlman et. al, 2014). It is not uncommon for some youth to express grief as anxiety, anger, frustration, or inability to focus. THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF CARE
Just as the stress of this prolonged crisis is taking a toll on youth, it is impacting their trusted adults as well, which can impact a trusted adult’s ability to connect and identify risk and warning signs in others. It is important to practice self-care and seek help so you can persevere, be a trusted adult role model, and support the youth in your life. Developing a self-care plan that addresses your mental and physical health that you can use daily will help considerably. And, when you feel that you need professional help, it is important to reach out without hesitation to the resources you have available whether through an Employee Assistance Program, your Doctor, or use of a warm line, crisis line or text line. Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. |