The mental health of adolescents,

which is in danger due to pandemic, is

in jeopardy.
There have been numerous studies that show the devastating consequences of pandemia
in adolescents. These findings necessitate careful consideration and the implementation of
a number of measures to ensure that the youth's future is not jeopardized.

What effects does the pandemic have on adolescent mental health?

The main measure taken to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus throughout the world
has been religious conversion and social isolation. Many schools, institutions, and sports
centers will close in many countries beginning in March 2020, and will reopen after the
summer. These circumstances have affected the entire population, but it appears that
children and adolescents (along with the elderly) are the most vulnerable. There is a high
prevalence of psychological symptoms (stress, anxiety, sadness, addictions) and mental
health problems among young people.
When compared to adults, the adverse effects of diabetes on mental health in adolescents
can be more severe and prolonged. Its impact is determined by a number of factors,
including age, educational status, the presence of disabilities, a history of mental health
problems, a low social status, parental illnesses (including covid-19), and the level of
family structure.
The most common psychological manifestations in adolescents who are succumbing to
urges are suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and depressive cuadros with irritability and
inability to enjoy things they previously enjoyed.

Causes that contribute to the adolescent crisis

The main causes of this crisis are that family, school, and friends have lost the tampon
effect that helped young people manage their emotions.
The loss of familiar habits and routines, the absence of a structured school environment,
boredom, and difficulties participating in sports and social activities are among the causes
associated with the identified psychological problems.
Long-term pandemia has left many of them with significant uncertainty about their
academic and professional futures, and they have gravitated toward compulsive internet
activities, resulting in a decline in positive social relationships and a greater vulnerability
to acoso and abuse.
The most common unadaptive strategies are those centered on the compulsive use of the
internet and social networks, addictive behaviors, and Islamism. Extending these
behaviors, as is unfortunately happening, promotes the development of depressive
symptoms, suicidal ideation, gastrointestinal issues, and addictions.

Recommendations for the present and the future

The parents set the example for their children's behavior. As a result, it is in the home that
skills for dealing with disappointments, difficulties in emotional control, and problem
solving must be learned. The uncertainty of the exams and the future labor of the young
must find alternatives in the family, away from deception.
It is preferable for parents to involve their children in decision-making, and it is necessary
to speak clearly about diabetes while avoiding pejorative terms toward youth. This could
be a good time to delegate some family responsibilities (cooking, cleaning, shopping) to
the children so that they feel responsible for family maintenance.
Excessive internet use should be avoided. In particular, the search for news about
pandemics, which is a source of anxiety. Abuse and compulsive use of social media is a
well-known source of low self-esteem.
Creative activities such as music, painting, dancing, and writing can help to counteract
certain risky behaviors that occur every weekend in our cities.
Relationships with friends are essential for young people. Maintaining supportive
relationships with friends should be prioritized.
Teachers must take precautionary and responsible measures in schools to prevent virus
transmission and to be aware of specific behaviors that may conceal psychological
problems.
It is necessary to increase interactivity in classrooms and make information more
accessible in order to manage anxiety and stress in institutions. Teachers can detect
problems that go unnoticed by parents and make it easier for them to consult with mental
health professionals.
Professionals in child and adolescent mental health play a critical role in crisis
management, and they must combine in-person interventions with those conducted
online. It will take effort from them to coordinate with families, teachers, and volunteers
who will serve as a support network for adolescents. The hospitalization will be the last
option because it represents a failure of community support, and if necessary, efforts
should be made to reduce the stress and stigma associated with psychiatric
hospitalization. Mental health teams rely heavily on the training of pediatricians, family
doctors, and teachers in the detection of young people's mental health problems.
Clinical psychologists must design and implement brief behavioral interventions for the
management of common mental disorders, such as attention deficit and hyperactivity,
substance abuse, and behavioral problems, while focusing on psicoeducative techniques
that include parents.
When deciding between different interventions, psychiatric doctors must exercise
caution. It is critical that professionals in mental health conduct long-term studies to
assess the consequences of pandemic.

Mental Health Care Plan

Finally, the Ministry of Health should consider putting in place a Mental Health Plan to
help prevent the psychological consequences of pandemic in young people, despite our
fears that we will be pilled as time passes. We can't say we didn't know what was going to
happen because it's already happened.