For Teenagers: Here’s How Therapists See Mental Health at This Stage of the Pandemic
This week we’re speaking directly to the teens. Is this you?
- You dread going to school
- School feels empty
- You’re feeling disconnected from friends
- School or socializing in general feel really hard
We talk to teenagers on a daily basis in our therapy sessions and let us tell you this: What you’re experiencing is completely normal and you are not alone.
But why am I feeling like this?
Let us explain this to you with a metaphor:
Before the pandemic, you were lifting a 5 pound weight every day for school and social stuff. Then the pandemic hit and you put the weight down. You learned new skills but you didn’t have to use that weight for a year and a half. Going back to school this fall, you had to pick up the weight again. But not only are you out of practice, the weight is also a 10 pound weight now. So it’s going to be awkward and uncomfortable and it might hurt sometimes. But if you keep picking up that weight, if you stick with it and keep lifting, you’re going to get stronger and it’s going to feel more manageable.
“To expect yourself to just walk in and be able to master something
immediately is a lot, that’s a big ask”
– Sarah
In this 15-minute episode, we talk more about the what, why and how. We kept it short, promise.
More about Virginia Family Therapy
Virginia Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. VFT is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.
Contact us here.
In this episode on teenagers & mental health we cover:
- What we see many teenagers are experiencing going back to school at this stage of the pandemic;
- Where these feelings are coming from;
- Why it is normal to feel this way;
- Tips to get through and things to do if you need more help.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode
- Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. Don’t hesitate to contact us here.
- Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback.
- Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
- Interested in learning more about teenager’s mental health at this stage of the pandemic? Have a listen to our episode about Pandemic Flux in teens.
Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.