Dealing with the effects of the coronavirus on our daily lives can be challenging, stressful, anxiety-inducing, and even distressing. Adults, adolescents, and children alike across our Charlotte community and the nation have found themselves with a new “normal” that includes going to school or work online, not being able to go to favorite places in the community, needing to social distance, and coping with ever-changing regulations and cancellations. High school and college seniors are grieving the loss of important rituals and milestones like walking across the stage at graduation, dancing at prom, attending formals, and more. Teenagers are mourning lost time with friends, extracurricular activities, and coping with being home with their parents for long stretches of time. No matter our stage of life, being out of our regularly structured routines can lead us to not taking care of ourselves the way that we might typically. Now, more than ever, is an important time for us to prioritize and be intentional about our holistic wellness. Are we eating a well-balanced diet? Are we moving our bodies daily? Have we found ways to connect meaningfully with others? Are we taking time to be creative? To learn something? To engage in our hobbies?
It’s only natural to experience a disruption in our wellness when such a large shift in routine happens so quickly, but it’s crucial to assess our overall wellness and begin to make some small changes to even out our wellness balance in our lives. The great thing about living in a digital age is that we can actually harness technology and virtual resources to enhance our wellness, help us cope, and fight boredom during this time of uncertainty. Check out this helpful infographic about virtual resources teenagers (and others) can use during this time of isolation due to the coronavirus.
If you feel as though your mental health is suffering due to changes caused by the coronavirus, reach out to mental health providers in your area. Many providers, like Queen City Counseling & Consulting, are offering telehealth therapy services in addition to in-person counseling to continue to serve individuals throughout the changes. Queen City Counseling & Consulting provides group and individual therapy services to adolescents and young adults in the Charlotte, NC area. Call (704) 457-8222 or email info@qc-counseling.com for more information.