Helping Teens Receive Mental Health Care [Interview Series] 

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Teen consulting

The pandemic has been particularly hard for vulnerable people of different kinds. Frequent lockdowns, online classes, and working from home have all taken their toll on people’s ability to find pleasure in simple things such as socializing. Moreover, studies show that isolation can harm mental health. Most importantly, the pandemic has given rise to new problems such as excessive social media usage, increased levels of anxiety and stress, and binge eating disorders. 

If you notice these or other changes in your teen’s behavior, it may be time to urge them to seek help. Thankfully, as Dr. Parmar mentions, teen therapy is available online and is as effective as face-to-face sessions. All you need to do is to adopt an understanding and empathetic role in your teen’s life. 

While most therapists feel that virtual communication has harmed teens’ mental health, some think it may have benefits. For instance, frequent lockdowns forced many therapists to take their practice online, making therapy more accessible to people in remote corners. In addition, there is a growing awareness about the importance of seeking mental health care, which can be seen as a step in the right direction. 

From a psychiatrist’s perspective

To understand what psychiatrists feel about teen mental health post-pandemic, we contacted Dr. Ketan Parmar, MD (Psychiatry), an expert at ClinicSpots.

Dr. Ketan Parmar has consistently worked with teenagers and adolescents, and has helped youngsters cope with post-pandemic changes. He is keenly aware of the difficulties they face and places importance on learning healthy coping mechanisms. In this brief interview, he urges parents to help their teens get the help they need.

1. What problems/challenges do teens face today?

The world has slowly emerged from the grips of a pandemic. However, many people struggle to readjust to life outside their homes. This is especially true for teenagers, who have had to deal with online learning, social distancing, and other changes due to the pandemic.

Now that some restrictions are beginning to lift, psychiatrists see an uptick in teenagers seeking help. Many of these teens struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

The pandemic has changed how we live, and teenagers find it difficult to adjust to new ways of living. For example, teens who attended in-person classes before the pandemic have now had to adjust to learning online. This can be a challenging transition, especially for those who thrive on social interaction and find it difficult to focus when they’re not in a traditional classroom setting.

2. In which other areas do you think teens face difficulties?

Post-pandemic, teens have had to cope with losing opportunities for extracurricular activities and social gatherings. For many teens, these activities are essential to their lives and provide a much-needed sense of normalcy and routine. With schools and other organizations canceling or postponing events, many teens have found themselves feeling isolated and bored.

3. What would you advise parents with teenagers who have mental health problems post-pandemic?

Parents of teenagers who struggle to cope with the challenges of the pandemic can do many things. 

  • First, it’s essential to be understanding and patient. The troubled teenager is probably going through a lot, and it’s okay if they’re not handling everything perfectly.
  • It is necessary to create opportunities for teenagers to socialize safely. Whether this means planning outdoor activities or getting together virtually with friends depends on contextual factors. 
  • It is also prudent to keep communication lines open. One must encourage their teen to talk about their feelings and let them know that support is always available.
  • Parents concerned about their teenager’s mental health should not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Many therapists now offer virtual appointments, which can be a convenient and effective way to get help.

4. How can therapy benefit teenagers?

Therapy can be an extremely beneficial way for teenagers to work through the challenges they’re facing. A therapist can help teens learn healthy coping mechanisms, work through their feelings, and better understand themselves. If you think therapy might be suitable for your teenager, reach out to a mental health professional to learn more.

Parents should urge their teens to get help when there is cause for concern.

While the pandemic has given rise to various mental health concerns among adults and teenagers, most therapists feel teens find it harder to access mental health care. Teenagers may not have the tools to express themselves with clarity, and social media may be their only thread for communicating with others. While it may help them connect with other people experiencing similar mental health issues, it is essential to guide them toward professional mental health care. Regardless of the problem, parents need to observe their teen’s behavior and note changes in behavior. The most concerning changes include the following:

  • Remaining in their room for prolonged periods.
  • Using the smartphone excessively.
  • Not communicating as they used to before.

If you notice these or other changes in your teen’s behavior, it may be time to urge them to seek help. Thankfully, as Dr. Parmar mentions, teen therapy is available online and is as effective as face-to-face sessions. All you need to do is to adopt an understanding and empathetic role in your teen’s life. 

Jaiyant Cavale, Clinical Psychologist
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