TRENDING

As we near the 1.5 year anniversary of COVID-19 entering the United States, we reflect on the tumultuous events that have transpired since the word "coronavirus" was introduced into our daily vocabulary.

What was once seen as an extended break from school soon morphed into a global pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 4.5 million people globally, with the United States’ death toll lingering around 647,000 people. We recognize that growing up surrounded by so much uncertainty, isolation and fear has been hard on teenagers, so we have compiled a list of eight resources to help you navigate the remainder of the pandemic.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

1. "How teenagers can protect their mental health during COVID-19" 

Unicef released this comprehensive guide to help teens navigate the metnal health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in this guide are six proven strategies that assist teens as they acclimate to the new (temporary) normal brought by the pandemic.

2. National Suicide Prevention Hotline

According to a study done by The Rox Institute, 80% of adolescent girls feel “more lonely and isolated" than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. This hotline provides support and assistance to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

3. "How to help young people cope with grief and loss"

According to a study analyzed by Mission Harbor Behavioral Health last summer, 7 out of 10 teenagers surveyed reported that they were struggling with their mental health. The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds released this handy guide detailing the best ways to assist people grieving the experiences and people lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES

4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

According to the Cenikor Foundation, "substance abuse is on the rise for teens because of COVID-19." The SAMHSA is a confidential, free, 24/7 information service that provides assistance for individuals and family members who are facing mental health or substance use disorders. 

5. Vaccine location research hub (vaccines.gov)

Still need to get vaccinated? Vaccines.gov will help you find the closest vaccine provider in your area. Once you've found your provider, you can register for an appointment on the website. The whole process will take less than 10 minutes—give it a try!

6. Department of Health and Human Services

In the United States, COVID-19 tests are available at no cost nationwide. If you have reason to believe you were exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, check out the Department of Health and Human Services' website to find a testing location close to you.

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES

7. CNN: "50 fun things to do in the fall"

Last fall, CNN compiled this list of un fall activities that will get you active while not jeapordizing your health or the health of your loved ones. Whether you and your besties are hosting small squad picnics or you're attending a masked play, there are *so* many ways to reignite your social life this year.

8. 7 Cups: Online Therapy and Free Counseling

If the COVID-19 pandemic has proven anything, it is that teens are remarkably resilient. This does not mean, however, that it isn't still necessary to talk through how the last year has impacted you persoanlly. 7 Cups' website boasts that the therapy provider "connects you to caring listeners for free emotional support." How amazing is that?

Want to learn more about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected teenagers? Check out our article examining this issue here.

by Claire Hutto | 9/3/2021