IMAGE: Parents of teenage girls were more likely to report that their child had started or got worse with symptoms of depression and anxiety than parents of teenage boys. view more
Credit: CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Child Health at Michigan Medicine.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – For teens, loose restrictions could mean months of meaningful school, less time with friends and canceling activities such as sports, band concerts and prom.
And for young people who rely heavily on social connections for emotional support, these changes may have had a significant impact on mental health, a new national poll suggests.
Forty-six percent of parents say their teenager has shown signs of a new or worsening mental health condition since the outbreak began in March 2020, according to the National Hospital Poll CS Mott Children on Child Health at Michigan Medicine. Parents of teenage girls were more likely to report that their child had started or got worse with symptoms of depression and anxiety than parents of teenage boys.
“Just as young people are biologically guided to seek independence from their families, COVID-19 precautions are kept at home,” said the co-director of the election and Mott pediatrician Gary L. Freed, MD, MPH
“Pandemic-related lifestyle changes have damaged the lives of teenagers, with many experiencing disruption in their normal habits. Our opinion poll shows that changes in a pandemic can have a significant impact get some teenagers on mental health. “
The national representative report is based on responses from 977 parents of 13-18 year old teenagers.
One in three teenage girls and one in five teenage boys have experienced a new or worsening anxiety, the census suggests. More parents of teenage girls than parents of teenage boys report an increase in anxiety / worry (36% vs. 19%) or depression / sadness (31% vs. 18%).
But similar proportions of parents report negative changes in teenage sleep (24% for girls vs. 21% for boys), withdrawal from family (14% vs. 13%) and aggressive behavior (8%). % vs. 9%).
Recent research has shown that teenage depression during the pandemic is linked to teens ’own fear and insecurity, as well as high levels of parental anxiety, Freed notes.
“Loneliness during the pandemic may bring new problems to some teenagers but for others, the situation has exacerbated existing emotional health issues,” Freed says.
Parents in the census say their children appear to have been hit harder by changes in social interactions over the past year, with three in four reporting a negative impact on the teenager’s connections to friends.
Many parents report that their teenagers have been texting (64%), using social media (56%), online games (43%), and talking on the phone (35%). %) every day or almost every day. Few parents report that their teenagers have been in personal gatherings with friends every day or almost every day, indoors (9%) or outdoors (6 %).
“Peer groups and social interactions are an essential part of development during adolescence. But those opportunities have been limited during the pandemic,” Freed says. “Many teenagers may feel sad, anxious and disconnected due to social distance and loss of normal social spaces, such as sports, out-of-school activities and hanging out. out with friends. ”
Parents who notice negative changes in adolescent mental health have tried various strategies to help their teenager, the Mott Poll suggests, including taking rest on COVID-19 rules and family rules on social media, seek professional help and even use mental health apps.
“Parents play a vital role in helping their teens cope with the stress of pandemic,” Freed says. “There are strategies parents can engage in to help, no matter what. whether their teenager is showing signs of problems. One of the most important things for parents is to keep lines of communication open; ask their teenager how they are doing and create a place for them to talk honestly so they can help when needed. “
More Mott Poll findings on ways parents use to improve children’s mental health and what Mott experts suggest:
1. Binding family rules
Half of parents have tried the COVID-19 rules of relaxed family to allow their teenager to have more contact with friends, with the majority (81%) saying it helped. Freed says families should encourage social interactions that follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as spending time outdoors or engaging in activity with masks and social distance.
Half of parents have also released social media restrictions – and the majority (70%) say it has helped. Experts suggest that families allow teens to engage with peers on age-appropriate platforms but continue to set boundaries to ensure that screen time does not hinder other behaviors. -related to health, such as physical activity and sleep. This could mean banning electronics near bedtime, encouraging or allowing the use of social media at designated times of the day.
2. Talking to an expert
One in four parents sought help for their teenager from a mental health provider, with three-quarters feeling it helped.
One-third of parents spoke to teachers or school counselors, with over half (57%) saying that a strategy was helpful.
“Teenagers may experience a wide range of mental health problems, but if parents hear their teenager expressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, they should seek mental health support in the future. immediately, “Freed says.
3. Trying a web-based program
A quarter of parents encouraged their teenager to try a web-based program or app to improve their mental health, and 60% say it helped. One-third of parents in the poll were also looking for information online (58% say it helped.)
Apps can make treatment more accessible, effective and portable, Freed notes, but parents should talk to their primary care provider or other trusted sources for app recommendations as well as online resources about adolescent mental health.
4. Maintains open communication but also takes place
One in seven parents in the poll said their teenager has withdrawn from a family since the pandemic began.
Parents can try to show teens that they are not alone by sharing some of their own concerns and successful strategies that will help them cope while asking questions that create a safe space for candid conversations.
At the same time, Freed notes, it is normal for teenagers to have privacy in their family. Giving them space for some quiet time, creative time or music time can be helpful for their mental health.
5. Promotes sleep hygiene
Child health experts stress the importance of sleep for teenagers, especially when they are stressed. Nearly one in four parents in Mott’s Poll say their teens have been experiencing negative sleep changes since the pandemic began.
Experts recommend helping teens craft a healthy and fruitful approach to their days and evenings – whether they are in real or personal school. This includes a regular sleep and wake cycle that aligns with their online learning schedule, other responsibilities around the house and their interactions with peers and family. Making time to get outdoors is also helpful in managing sleep.
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