4 minute read
BACK TO NORMALITY
from TAG 2021
by Jason Hollis
HOW WILL YOU ADAPT?
We as a nation are now getting our lives back, after experiencing the utmost isolating, darkest time any of us have ever lived through. Times were hard to say the least, at points it felt as though there was no end. Some took on new hobbies, others found their escape was exercise, some reading, Netflix shows were binged by a few and some were able to continue to work like nothing had changed. Many, however put on their bravest smile and showed no obvious signs they were suffering.
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We have been through a lot: 2.5 million deaths globally. Over a year of isolation, social distancing and three national lockdowns. Schools and colleges opening and closing. Exams unsat, after-school activities and socialising with friends was out of the question. We are all in an attempt now to re-adapt to normality. But what is normal? Loneliness? Anxiety? Sleep deprivation?...
Metal health issues relating to to body image have affected teens dramatically in the past year. Studies by the Mental Health Foundation show that among teenagers, 37% feel upset and 31% feel ashamed with regard to their body image. During the pandemic, it hasn’t exactly been easy to love our bodies. The constant bombardment of an idealised body image by the media certainly didn’t help. The fact that we have been forced to stay inside the majority of the time with too much opportunity to sit staring at TV screens or flicking through our social media accounts to pass the time did not help one’s body image in the slightest.
Another issue that teens face today when adapting to ‘normality’ is sleep deprivation. The Guardian claims one in four people suffer from sleep problems. Whether it’s due to our lack of motivation to wake up early or being unable to shut off the mind in order to rest at night it is going to have a major impact on both our education and our social lives. For over a year the nation has strongly advised – and for some months forced – people to stay at home. This for most meant lounging around on the sofa or in bed relaxing our bodies for most of the day, so when it comes to bedtime sleep seems almost pointless.
Teens may now find it difficult to interact and socialize with their friends due to experiencing such a lonely time. When meeting up with friends again it is difficult not to feel anxious, what are you supposed to say? How should you act? What have you done in the past year? It’s difficult, but Tag assures you that you are not alone...not anymore.
ASKING THE EXPERT
Tag carried out an interview with Simon Hennings, Mental Health Lead at East Sussex School Health Service. We asked him about mental states during the pandemic and his service’s advice on how to stay on top of your mental health and of worries about returning to school or college.
HOW DO YOU FEEL THE PANDEMIC HAS AFFECTED YOUNG PEOPLE’S MENTAL STATES?
That is a difficult question. How do we answer for a generation we are no longer in? But, from talking to young people and their families I would say that for many it has been a really difficult time, not being able to do many of the normal day-today things has led to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness, boredom, low mood, anxiety and worry. I don’t think this is everyone’s experience – some young people have enjoyed spending more time with their family, maybe have enjoyed not having to go to school and the reduced pressure to socialise and be part of the ‘in group’.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO SOMEBODY WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH THE RETURN TO SCHOOL OR COLLEGE?
I suppose that depends on why they’re struggling. Are they worried about Covid – either getting it or passing it on? Is it that they have missed so much learning they are worried about catching up? Or is just the thought of going back difficult? Or something else entirely? I would generally say that whatever the difficulty, have an honest look (with some help from a trusted adult, if needed) at what the risks/ benefits are. Ask yourself: “What is the risk to my future of my going back compared to the medium to long-term risk of not going back?”. If the risk to your future is significant and you’re still struggling to go to college, maybe it is time to seek some extra support.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS YOU HAVE NOTICED IN CHILDREN THAT ARE AFFECTED BY ADAPTING BACK TO SCHOOL?
Not keen on easy questions are you! I think it has been a really difficult time for all people, especially young people – you have often made the biggest sacrifice in terms of missing out on things despite the fact that the disease poses little personal risk to you – so I honestly want to say thanks, from my generation to yours – we appreciate it! I think for young people, especially those in a transition year, moving from one school to another or from school to college it has been really tricky to make or maintain friendships and I think this has led to a lot of low mood, feelings of worry and isolation. I think there are lots of feelings of frustration and anger, some specific to exams or other identified issues, some more general about why this is happening at all.
