The Crisis of Teenage Mental Health During (and Due To) Pandemic

We all know that teenage life can be super tumultuous. But did you know that half of all mental health conditions emerge by age 14? Add to that… pandemic life.

• awkward and isolating virtual classes (or in-person classes with masks and social distancing)
  
• far less typical outlets for energy and socializing
  
• far more screen time / social media
  
• raging and confusing hormones
  

Bottom line: Since the pandemic, kids are diagnosed with ADHD, OCD and other mental health illnesses at a rate unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

This is a crisis.

So, unless you have the right strategies, the end result — for both parent and child — can often be difficult and dangerous.

And can we just talk about the guilt that comes with being a parent?

Regardless of how moms and dads may try to rationalize things or apply logic to any given scenario — especially re: the mental health of their teenage children — they will still often feel responsible for them.

Questions like…

• “Did I cause this?”
• “Could I have prevented the situation from getting this bad?”
• “Is it somehow my fault?”

…continue plague and haunt.

Which is why I dedicated two episodes of The Chalene Show to this crucially important and timely topic.

Start with this episode if you, your spouse or your kids struggle to stay focused. Both Bret (my husband, who doesn’t have ADHD) and I (who does) share our best advice/tips for living/working with someone who has ADD or ADHD.

Disclaimer: The next episode goes deep on the topic of teenagers / young adults suffering from anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, self-harm or gender identity. Hence, the subject matter is quite sensitive. 

That said, it’s relevant to everyone. Don’t we all know someone 13 – 24 years old, directly or indirectly, who might be struggling?

So, I’ll share tips for supporting and building resilience in teenage youth during these challenging times. 

Or, to be even more precise, you’ll also hear from:

• parents who are in the midst of it, walking on this journey
  
• licensed psychologist and EMDR specialist, Dr. Mcayla Sarno

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCS for weekly shows dedicated to making your overall life — from personal development to family dynamics — as happy and productive as possible.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 hours): 800-273-8255

The Crisis Text Line

YouthLine: Text teen2teen to 839863, or call 1-877-968-8491

Teen Line 1-800-TLC-TEEN (852-8336) — A teen-to-teen confidential helpline, open from 6-10 pm every night.

LGBTQIA+ Community

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860

LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743