Southwest Florida teens talk about the pandemic and mental health
The News-Press/Naples Daily News recently interviewed mental health experts and Southwest Florida teenagers about the pandemic’s impact on youth mental health for a town hall on WGCU Public Media, which can be seen online.
Paul Simeone, Ph.D., vice president and medical director of behavioral health for Lee Health, noted a local increase in emergency mental health committals among children among teenagers, especially young women.
More:Under Pressure: Our town hall on Dec. 21 focuses on COVID-19’s impact on mental health
The rising need for such help is reflected in national data too.
Experts told us it is critical for parents to check in with their children and watch for changes in their moods, behaviors and functioning.
“There should be a low bar to get or seek help,” Simeone said.
Teenagers urged parents to be persistent and creative about connecting with their children and shared stories about discovering their own resiliency.
More:Guest opinion: The importance of developing a healthy mental health habit
More:Guest opinion: COVID-19 presents more than just a physical illness
Here is an excerpt from our conversation with Ryan Scharlau, Damini Parkhi, and Ellie Belcastro, part of Normal is Overrated, a Southwest Florida high school student group dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental illness:
Question: Can you talk a little about what the pandemic has been like for you?
Belcastro: Teenagers really need social interaction. It’s really important for us to get that and so to stay home a lot and not get that interaction can be really difficult. It gets lonely. It gets harder to do schoolwork sometimes. You just feel like you’re alone a lot of the time. It definitely has impacted my mental health.
Q: What are some coping strategies you’ve found?
Parkhi: I picked up painting and I paint with my neighbor’s kids a lot. And that just always brought me into a more positive mindset, an open mindset. It let me think more rationally, rather than having irrational thoughts and to go down that path.
If you can express your feelings through a work of art, a work of music, or anything like that, it really shows other people and shows yourself what you’re capable of doing and letting yourself get rid of those negative thoughts or whatever it is you’re going through.
Q: What advice would you give to either other teenagers who are struggling or their parents?
Belcastro: For teens, especially right now, I think there’s no problem too small. If you’re really feeling impacts, you definitely should reach out to someone you trust.
Scharlau: For parents, I think the most important thing to realize is that communication is key. It helps if they can reach out to their kids before they’ve gone too far into these mental health issues. Keep an open conversation and keep asking them how they are.
Q: Kids don’t always want to talk to their parents. Any suggestions around that?
Scharlau: It’s not always going to fall right into place. Try to find things you guys enjoy together, find things you can relate to, even if you get a foot in the door by asking them about something different before you start asking deeper questions.
This conversation was lightly edited and condensed.
Helping children and teens cope
Watch for behavior changes in your child. Some common changes to watch for:
- Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
- Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (Example: bedwetting).
- Excessive worry or sadness.
- Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits.
- Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens.
- Poor school performance or avoiding school.
- Difficulties with attention and concentration.
- Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
- Unexplained headaches or body pain.
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
Ways to support your child
- Talk with your child about the pandemic.
- Answer questions, share facts about COVID-19 in a way your child can understand.
- Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know it is OK if they feel upset. Share how you deal with stress so that they can learn from you.
- Limit exposure to news coverage, including social media.
- Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning and relaxing or fun activities.
- Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with friends and family.
- Spend meaningful time with your child such as reading together, exercising, playing games.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Resources
For emergencies: 911.
Southwest Florida mobile crisis unit provides 24/7 crisis intervention: (844) 395-4432.
FGCU’s Community Counseling Center serves Southwest Florida residents of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic status: 745-4777.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a free helpline that provides information, referrals and support: 800-950-6264, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m or write [email protected].
