Teens and Covid Holiday Blues

Image by Ivonne Nöhren from Pixabay

Often even the most emotionally reticent teens connect with holiday wonder. It is, indeed, the most wonderful time of the year (or it is supposed to be, according to the song and the hyper-energetic festivity).

The holidays are likely to look far different this year, with Covid lurking around. Many of us are changing our plans and scaling back holiday gatherings, postponing trips to see family and friends, all in the name of safe social distancing practices. These are the wise choices we are making to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, but that doesn’t make it fun.

Impact of Covid Holiday on Teens

Even if your teen isn’t saying it openly, the shift in traditional festivities is likely impacting them emotionally. Teens who are already prone to depression and anxiety may feel the affect of these changes with greater depth but may not have the ability to articulate it.

What to Look For

If you are worried about your teen’s emotional health this holiday season, here are some things to pay attention to that may indicate internal struggle.

• Withdrawal from others
• Increased irritability
• Changes in eating habits
• Tearfulness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)

Sometimes anxiety and depressive symptoms aren’t outwardly noticeable and can impact your teen. A depressed or anxious teen might also be experiencing:

• Numbness or detachment
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Constant worrying
• Obsessive thoughts

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