Having been announced three years ago now, it is clear that lockdown, due to COVID 19, played a large role in the mental health of not only teenagers, having to deal with their own coming of age issues whilst also being trapped indoors, but also adults who may have equally struggled. With limited freedom, mental health was always going to be an issue, but now that all limits have been erased, I thought it would be interesting to ask someone with great experience and interest surrounding the topic, asking questions concerning any changes seen since the initial period. For this task, I chose to ask a therapeutic councillor, not just because she happens to be my mother, but because I believe that her skills reach far beyond her work. Mary Puczyniec has volunteered to answer the questions below, giving us an insight into the dominant issue of mental health, whilst giving us some tips on how to manage it.

 

It’s now been three years since the first lockdown announcement; what observations have you made on the impact of this on teen mental health and how has it changed since?

 

Having been asked this question, Mary focuses on the negative consequences of lockdown on mental health, whilst also highlighting how it has benefitted teens and parents worldwide by spreading awareness and putting focus on the issue.

 

”It has been a tough few years for teens. A key developmental stage has been severely impacted by the lockdown, and some teens have suffered from the isolation and limited interactions . I have seen a stronger reliance on social media and electronic communication , which can increase stress, anxiety and depressive feelings in teens who usually thrive on face to face daily contact with their friends and peers. It is not an exaggeration to say that all ages have been impacted; important milestones such as finishing school, taking exams have been missed and teens have felt this loss harshly. On the positive side, mental health is now much more widely discussed, they are more knowledgeable about what is happening to them and more open to seeking support and help.”

 

 

 

 

What similarities/differences do you see concerning both adult and teen mental health?

 

When answering this question, Mary highlights both the similarities and differences between teens and adults, including the fact that while adults did equally struggle during lockdown, these issues may not have been directly caused by it, but rather reimagined.

 

“As expected there are both similarities and huge differences. My youngest client is 14 and my oldest 74, they all have had some challenges during this time. The teens tend to feel the limitations and losses more acutely as they have probably not had to face many challenges before. However, I do see a better understanding of the mental health issues with the teen clients, seeing as they are more knowledgeable and often more keen to find information out from a wider ranges of sources such as Instagram and TikTok. Teen clients issues are more current and often more intense and serious, where as for older clients the issues raised may have been highlighted by the lockdown, but have been present for quite some time.”

 

 

What suggestions can you give to any struggling teens (or adults) surrounding their mental health?

Following this question, Mary talks about the simple things anyone can do to avoid spiralling into an unnecessary depression, the main being talking to someone about the problem.

 

“I would encourage teens to talk to parents, teachers or professionals as soon as they feel they are struggling. We can easily correct an anxious child if we start before it becomes too serious and there really is truth in the phrase ‘a problem share is a problem halved’. There are a few exercises that teens can do to help with anxiety or stress, and all should be encouraged to speak up when feeling down. I always suggest  my clients challenge their inner critic and avoid spiralling and practice self compassion - Be kind to yourself. It also sounds obvious, but eating well, getting enough sleep and spending time with people who make you happy is proven to help.”

 

 

   Although it may sometimes feel hard or even embarrassing to share issues, as Mary has highlighted several times, it is a vital part of self-improvement as well as self-relief. No problem is too big of a problem to talk about.