Skip to main content

Anxiety in a Pandemic

It's been about one full year since COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines began across the United States. It's been one year since businesses shuttered, schools closed, and staying at home became the new normal. This is a tough year for everyone and exhausted us physically, but the anxiety, uncertainty, and stress have done their part to make it mentally and emotionally straining as well. We learned how to cope with all the physical stresses, yet all need help on the mental ones. This week, our awesome group returns for another discussion, this time on coping with anxiety during the pandemic.

The CDC recognizes that while efforts like social distancing are needed to keep people safe. This isn't normal, and people feel lonely not seeing family and friends. This can lead to negative physical changes like stomach pains, loss of appetite, and headaches. Some of the remedies to these issues are eating regularly, going to bed early, and making time to relax. (Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19)

The youth and young adults are tired of all the news on COVID-19, yet they are not seeing friends or family in person. It's weighed heavily on all of us, but glad to report that while we are bummed about how things have gone, there is hope within our group that things are working from being completely closed to limited capacity in the pandemic. With new plans for rolling out the vaccine coming out every day, we are starting to ask the question: "What will life be like after COVID?" For now, we will, of course, play it safe, but the future looks bright for us here in New Jersey. 

What has changed for you since last year? Let us know in the comment section. We will be back next week with another recap. Click the link to register found under resources to join the SPAN youth chat. Invite a friend!

Author,

Jeremy Hayer

Resources:

  1. The SPAN Youth Chat: the-span-youth-chat

  2. Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

  3. Youth-Focused Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGXju3IK5UOWXGDV1Fzfrc2DJuDDqOKTu

  4. Subscribe to SPAN's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SPANAdvocacy

  5. Link to SPAN's website: https://spanadvocacy.org/

  6. Link to SPAN’s Youth In the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know

  7. We’re here for you!  Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rutgers RWJMS Seeks Children and Young Adult Participants in Long COVID Study

RECOVER is a research project that aims to learn about the long-term health effects of COVID. Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) has been awarded a $30 million+ grant from the NIH to help lead a study on the long-term and delayed impacts of COVID-19 in children and young adults. This study is designed to answer these questions: -How many children get Long COVID? -Why do some children get Long COVID and others do not? -What symptoms do children feel when they get Long COVID? -How long do children feel sick when they get Long COVID? -What causes Long COVID to happen in children? -How does having Long COVID affect children's physical and mental health and development as they grow? Eligible subjects include infants, children, adolescents, and young adults through 25 years of age. Infection with COVID is not necessary to participate. The study's first phase includes a home questionnaire and blood and saliva samples provided from the comfort of your h
Post a Comment
Read more

Paid Opportunity! NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL)

The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is the state's agency for protecting, improving, and guiding the state's workforce or workers. Here is an exciting and unique paid opportunity for youth and young adults to participate in that mission.  Applicants or interested participants will take a hands-on approach to support the development of NJDOL's digital career tools and provide feedback.  The spots are limited, so please contact Johan Mora Valverde at  jmora-valverde@spanadvocacy.org  for more information. If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian, or need support at any age, forward or share this opportunity. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Hobbies to Try in 2024

Hobbies are a way to relieve anxiety, use free time, and exercise for physical or mental health. Unique hobbies go as far as building skills and talents.  How hobbies can improve your mental health- Feelgood Health   The Feelgood Health YouTube channel hosts a series, "Feelgood Health MythBusters," to examine truths and rumors surrounding health issues in the medical community. The effects of hobbies on one's mental health also dispel myths surrounding mental health and mindfulness.  Check out the video here:
Post a Comment
Read more