Now-a-days, the whole world is undergoing exceptional situations due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The lifestyle of the people has changed because of this. People are locked inside their homes and are unable to perform their normal activities in the ways they have been doing their entire lives. Now the concept of normal have changed. People are working from home. They are forced to stay at home in order to be safe. They can’t socialize in the way they did previously. All of this has affected mental health greatly especially that of teenagers. 

Teenage is the period of life in which people are thinkers and dreamers. Emotions are at their peak and hence this is also the age when these young people are more vulnerable to stress, anxiety and depression. The COVID 19 pandemic has affected mental health of teenagers greatly. Depression, stress, anxiety, and fear is experienced by most teenagers during this pandemic situation. Closure of educational institutions, not being able to meet their friends, lack of social contact, change of routine etc. are different factors responsible for the declining mental health among teenagers. 

All these things are quite normal in these conditions as described by expert adolescent psychologist, best-selling author and monthly New York Times columnist Dr. Lisa Damour; 

“Psychologists have long recognized that anxiety is a normal and healthy function that alerts us to threats and helps us take measures to protect ourselves. Your anxiety is going to help you make the decisions that you need to be making right now like not spending time with people or in large groups, washing your hands and not touching your face.”

There are many ways through which stress and depression can be reduced. Some of them are described below 

Distracting your mind is one of the best strategies that can be adopted in order to reduce stress and anxiety in this global pandemic. Spend this time doing positive activities. Think about the things you wanted to do for a long time but couldn’t do due to lack of time. This is the best time to do them. You can read all those books that you wanted to read. You can learn a new art.  

Exercise is another helpful thing that helps in reducing stress and depression and improves mental health. Doing yoga or meditation can also help in imparting positive impact on your mind and body. 

Reducing screen time also helps in reducing stress and depression. Studies show that spending too much time in front of the screen also impart negative effect on mind and body. So, teenagers should make a proper schedule and limit their time spend in front of screens. 

Being in touch with your loved ones and friends though social media is also very important for positive mental health. Be a part of some positive and empowering social groups online.  

Last but not the least, eating healthy food also play a part in reducing stress and anxiety. It also improves your immunity and helps in keeping you healthy and safe.

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