Opinion: Curbing the Pending Youth Mental Health Crisis

By: Flo Brett, RGN, DPSN, DM

We must act now -- a special focus needs to be on our younger generation to assist them in navigating these turbulent times.

With a background in pediatric intensive care nursing and corporate executive coaching, I recognize the emerging health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is intersecting with the current rising mental health issues in our youth and we will be experiencing the fallout of this pandemic over the coming months and years. We also know that in an unprecedented crisis like this, high stress, negative emotions, fear, anxiety and panic diminish our mental resources and ability to think clearly, make healthy decisions and behave pro-socially and productively .

Given that schools provide structure and support services for students who are struggling, the resulting school closures have created barriers and limitations for assisting students in need. Adding to student isolation is the enforced social and physical distancing and the potential for additional stressors, such as family job losses, personal and situational health challenges, and interrupted food supply. Many of our youth are dealing with unsurmountable levels of stress and with underdeveloped coping skills they are struggling to survive this crisis. Research shows that young people need social-emotional learning (SEL) skills now more than ever, as they adjust to a very different and uncertain world.

The longer-term mental health consequences of COVID-19 for the population will be significant and intervention must be a priority.

As a means to curve the pending youth mental health crisis, I want to offer three strategies that educators can implement today with their students:

1. Be Mindful: Ground your students in their virtual classroom experience by starting each class with a mindfulness minute, putting your students in a positive frame of mind and focusing on deep breathing. This will help students stay present in the moment with a learner mindset.
2. Embrace Change: Help students reflect on the current situation and identify opportunities for personal growth. Look for the positives in online learning -- new apps, new ways to present material, more time to focus on engaging activities, etc. Find the silver lining for yourself to help motivate your students.
   
3. Develop Resiliency: Social and emotional support is a “basic need” right now. Build a strong emotional connection with your students. Take the time to schedule a one-on-one video meeting or phone call with students or families. Give them the opportunity to open up about their situation.

Flo Brett, the founder and executive director of Cleveland-based nonprofit Effective Leadership Academy, is a certified life coach and former pediatric intensive care nurse specialist. You can follow Effective Leadership Academy on Facebook and Instagram.