How to help your teen with coronavirus-related anxiety

Many parents will say the only thing harder than going through a hard time yourself is watching those you love — particularly your children — go through a hard time.

Coronavirus is affecting all of us in different ways. While most of us are having a challenging time in some way, we are not all experiencing that challenging time in the same way or to the same degree. Some folks might be feeling mildly irritated while others might feel deep despair.

Anxiety is a common reaction for anyone in such a situation. It can be especially pronounced in teens, however, because so many of their big milestones — along with the structure to achieve those big milestones — have vanished in just a few short months. The teenage years already have expectations of big life changes, but what do you do when you have to deal with both expected big life changes and UNEXPECTED big life changes all at the same time?

You may feel like it’s hard to relate to your teen and what they’re feeling right now. And if so, that’s ok.

Showing love, demonstrating patience, and actively listening go a long way. If you’d like to add to your toolbox, check out the resources below on how to help your teen manage anxiety relating to the coronavirus.

5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html

Coronavirus Anxiety Is Seriously Affecting Teens. Here’s How To Help.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/teens-coronavirus-anxiety-help_l_5e9f3f15c5b6bd3a71eb78b4

Checklist of Cognitive Distortions
https://arfamiliesfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cognitive-Distortions.pdf
Attempt to control self-defeating statements and replace them with more helpful thoughts. Here’s a helpful checklist for identifying unhealthy thoughts and coping with them.

How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus
https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/how-talk-your-anxious-child-or-teen-about

7 Ways to Support Kids and Teens Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
https://www.mghclaycenter.org/hot-topics/7-ways-to-support-kids-and-teens-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

How to Help Teens During the Coronavirus Outbreak
https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/teen-tips-coronavirus/