As teens in high school, there are certain mental health issues we face regularly.

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The fear of doing badly on a test, the fear of not making a sports team, and the fear of not getting a leadership position are incredibly common. However, these kinds of fears have recently transformed into something more serious. While in quarantine, it seems as though we wake up every day to a new bit of bad news, especially regarding the pandemic. With help from the CDC, MHA, and WHO, you can cope with the fear surrounding the status of the pandemic in our country.

 

 

Preparing Yourself

The CDC has a list of initiatives to take care of in order to keep your mental health during these trying times. The first is to know where and when to get treated, and what to do if you get the virus. Knowing how to take care of yourself in the off-chance that you get the virus can be calming because you know how to take care of the situation.

 

 

Unwind and Relax

Your emotional health is also very important during this time of crisis. The most effective remedy for stress is to take a break once in a while. Connect with friends and family, whether it be through social distancing measures or social media. Try your best to unwind and relax; these times can be especially stressful. Take some time off to do the things you truly enjoy, such as a hobby or creative project. Taking walks and getting some exercise are also a great way to clear your head.

 

 

Take a Break

One of the most important steps to keeping your mental health is to take a break from the news once in a while. Repeatedly hearing about the pandemic and the number of cases can be harmful to one’s peace of mind. It’s okay to take a break if you feel that the news is stressing you out. Taking “social media detoxes” (not looking at your phone for at least a few hours) is one of the best ways to clear your head.

 

 

Get Help

If you feel like things are getting worse, the following hotlines are always available for you to reach out to.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 for English, 888-628-9454 for Spanish

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 or text 1-800-422-4453

For additional hotlines, you can visit:

https://mhanational.org/covid19

 

You’re not alone, and we will get through this together. Stay strong!

In addition, here’s a website with a list of some activities you can do at home to clear your head.

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-fun-things-home.html

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

https://mhanational.org/covid19

https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/covid-19