Negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent health: Insights, perspectives, and recommendations.

The adverse mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its control measures (lockdowns, quarantine, etc.) among the adult population have been widely acknowledged [1]. There are, however, only a few studies on the topic focused on children and adolescents under the age of 18 [2]. Children constitute a third of the global population and those aged between 10 to 18 years make up approximately a fifth [3]. Although children are less likely to be affected by COVID-19, they are not indifferent to the detrimental effects that the pandemic and the lockdown could bring upon their mental health.

There remains a lack of data on the true impact of this pandemic on children, especially adolescents. Research has been limited, and at times inconsistent [2,4-6]. It has been suggested that compared to adults, the pandemic may have worse long-term physical, psychological, educational, and social consequences for children and adolescents [2,4-6]. We attempted to provide insights into the mental health consequences of the pandemic on this subset of the population from the perspectives of a young adult, a parent, and a psychiatrist.

EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC ON YOUNG ADULTS

Adolescence is a fragile period, marked by rapid biological and social changes, and common mental disorders are known to manifest during this time. Young adults are particularly susceptible to the vagaries of a pandemic due to a limited grasp of its intensity and inadequate coping mechanisms [5]. Studies have unequivocally shown that disruptions to routines, amplified family stressors, social isolation, and domestic violence create an environment that exponentially increases adolescent psychiatric issues. Thus, while superficially appearing to be physically less vulnerable, young adults can experience significant psychological difficulties due to this global health event [2,4,5,7].

Schools introduce children to new ideas, teach them to socialize, make friends, and participate in activities that enhance growth. Educational systems not only provide for academic learning, they serve as platforms for other social-support initiatives like counselling services, after-school clubs, or health provisions like vaccination clinics and nutrition programs. Additionally, these institutions help mitigate the effects of inequalities among socio-economically disadvantaged and marginal members of society. Facility closures, social isolation, and quarantine have caused a loss of social connection with teachers, friends, and peers. Decreased physical activity, loss of tutor time, and increased ‘screen time’ through virtual learning, social or digital media can adversely affect mental health. Students who rely on special education, lack digital access or tools, or live in unstable home settings risk falling behind their peers as schools move online and have decreased peer contact. Further consequences of this increased digital presence include disturbance of the circadian rhythm and increased susceptibility to bullying and abuse. Social media can heighten stress, exacerbate, or trigger psychiatric issues. However, social media may also help as a coping mechanism, working as an outlet for adolescents by increasing social interactions, self-expression, and providing for easy access to information.

Photo: Insights into an adolescent mind through the pandemic. From the first author’s personal collection, used with permission.

Other stressors include separation, loss, and grief due to separation from primary caregivers owing to illness, lockdown or death. Anxiety or fear of their own or their parent’s death is a natural response in young adults. This becomes magnified when the caregivers are frontline workers at an increased risk of COVID-19. Companionship is an essential aspect of normal psychological development and well-being. Separation from caregivers pushes children into a state of crisis and increases the risk of psychiatric disorders. Several studies from the current pandemic suggest that children quarantined under the suspicion of having COVID-19 or testing positive for the disease are more likely to develop mental health disorders such as acute stress, anxiety, and adjustment disorders [8-10]. Furthermore, a study showed that children who had COVID-19 or were quarantined had a four times higher likelihood of developing posttraumatic stress [11]. Children with special needs are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental psychological impacts of this pandemic. Those with autism and neurocognitive disability may feel frustrated due to disruptions in their daily lives.

Adolescents can sense their parents’ stress and often show their worries in ways that adults may interpret as temper tantrums. Parents may notice that their children have become fussy and/or more aggressive. These reactions in children in turn have a domino effect on the parents, leading to uncertainty, difficulties in empathizing, a sense of sadness, anxiety, feeling of lack of control, as well as sleep deprivation. Adolescents also have amplified energy levels, novelty, motivation, curiosity, and enthusiasm, making it difficult for them to isolate socially. Important events during this stage of psychological development include maintaining social relationships. Adolescents may feel upset missing out on peer-group related social activities like sports, parties, social gatherings, etc. Adolescence-associated hormonal changes, combined with age-related social dynamics make young adults attuned to social status, peer groups, and relationships. Adolescents may feel as though they are lonely, frustrated, nervous, or missing out due to social distancing during the pandemic. Fears regarding the future among adolescents are often expressed as sadness, anger, disillusionment, withdrawal, and/or depression (), all of which lead to reduced life satisfaction, including fear of death, infection, and the unknown. Other presentations include diminished interest in social activities, peers, and school. The affected adolescent may also show increased risk-taking behaviour in the form of failing to follow social distancing protocols, alcohol or substance abuse, or increase in self-harm as a means of coping. They may also express disillusionment and concerns regarding faith in governmental policies, institutions and justice.

Table 1

Physiological behavioural responses to the pandemic, practical guidance for the caregiver and when to refer for specialist mental health assessment

A. Normal adolescent behavioural and functional responses to the pandemic

• Able to understand many of the implications

• Legitimate fears about the future (eg, economic repercussions, health issues)

• Varied responses: worry, fear, sadness, anger, disillusionment, avoidance, withdrawal

• Anxiety, eg, “Will I be okay?”, “Will my parents be okay?”, “Will I ever see my friends again?”, “Will my school ever open again?”, “What will my life be like?”

• Depressive symptoms such as loss of hope and future orientation: “Nothing will ever get better.”

• Reduced life satisfaction

• Fearfulness, eg, of illness, death, the unknown

• Sleep disturbances related to anxiety, depression, and disruption of routines

• Decreased interest in social activities, peers, school

• Increased risk-taking behaviour: failing to wear mask or social distance, potential alcohol or other substance abuse, unsafe sexual behaviours

• Difficulty concentrating and, academic difficulties

• Concerns about public institutions, justice, power, and control

• Desire to discuss the policy issues involved

• Able to integrate multiple factors in understanding illness and alternative possibilities

B. Practical guidance for parents & caregivers

• Show respect for their feelings

• Discuss their opinions, feelings, and different ways to cope

• Discuss causes and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

• Listen to and talk about what is present in social media

• Be present if they watch television; discuss and provide perspectives

• Check in regularly

• Address risk taking behaviours clearly and directly

• Share and talk about reactions to COVID-19 related disruptions (eg, virtual learning, etc)

• Normalise experiences: “You’re not alone; everyone is struggling”

• Encourage connection with friends—virtually or with advised safety precautions

• Be a role model: Share your own feelings and coping mechanisms

• Help them engage in community or other projects as appropriate

C. Symptoms which require mental health referral

• Anxiety and/or depressive symptoms

• Increased arousal, mood changes, irritability, withdrawal, emotional numbing, being overwhelmed

• Physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or aches that cannot be medically explained

• Disordered eating habits

• Sleep disturbances, including unrestful sleep and trouble falling asleep

• Traumatic grief

• Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder—eg, that disrupt functioning and/or can create risk of harm to self or others

- Nightmares

- Re-experiencing the event/disaster

- Intrusive thoughts that interfere with focus, concentration and attention

- Increased arousal – may lead to aggressive behaviour

- Hypervigilance

- Avoidance of activities, experiences, or places associated with the event

- General withdrawal

- Emotional dysregulation or dissociation

D. Symptoms which require emergency mental health referral

• Suicidal ideation, intent, plan or attempt

• First known self-cutting

• Intense fear, anxiety, helplessness, panic or horror,

• Presence of dissociative symptoms such as detachment and depersonalisation

• Extreme confusion or inability to make simple decisions

• Uncontrollable and intense grief

• Intrusive thoughts or severe cognitive impairment

• Debilitating physical complaints in the absence of medical explanation

Although there are no long-term outcome studies on the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health, extrapolation from other pandemics and disasters suggest that these young adults are likely to have long-term adverse effects of escalated risk of mood disorders, psychosis, and death by suicide in adulthood [9,12-18]. Furthermore, social isolation measures and loneliness have shown to increase the risk of depression up to 9 years later. The duration rather than intensity of loneliness and the presence of previous mental health disorders are strong risk factors for these mental health symptoms [9,13-16].

Nonetheless, differentiating psychiatric ailments from a normal stress response requires a high index of suspicion. Anxiety and depression may be masked as increased mood swings, irritability, withdrawal, and emotional dysregulation [2,19]. Physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and others that cannot be medically explained, including those of disordered eating habits and self-harm, are not uncommon. Intense fear, panic, or anxiety that disrupts basic functioning such as sleeping, eating, family and peer interactions, etc. are warning signs. Confusion or the inability to make simple decisions, uncontrollable grief, intrusive thoughts, or severe cognitive impairment immediately require professional help [2,6,19].

EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC ON FAMILIES

School closures and the hiatus of after-school activities has added to parental pressure to balance responsibilities, including becoming the sole providers of supervision and education for their children – all while experiencing heightened stresses of financial instability, social isolation, boredom, frustration, fear of infection, and changes to health and social care access. A large Canadian cross-sectional study showed that, when compared to parents without children, a significantly higher number of parents with children at home reported deterioration of mental health (35 vs 44%) during this pandemic [7]. This cohort was also found to have a higher incidence of suicidal ideation and alcohol abuse. A collusion of these factors has resulted in a surge in the incidence of domestic violence, and physical punishment of children. Parents reported more adverse interactions with their children, including more yelling and conflicts, further reinforcing the negative mental health impact of the social isolation on these young adults.

Remarkably, a nationwide survey noted that some parents reported increased positive interaction with their children, including spending more quality time (65.4%), feeling closeness (49.7%), and showing love (44.5%) [7]. Furthermore, previous research from other epidemics has also shown that while parenting pressures increase, so do opportunities to strengthen family bonds [5].

RECOMMENDATIONS

With health services being overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the pandemic, delegation of personnel towards nurturing mental health remains a challenge. It is therefore essential to enable and utilise our inherent coping mechanisms to the fullest (, ).

Figure 1

A stepwise multi-tiered model for support and management of adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improve communication, validate feelings & tackle sensitive issues

Simple interventions such as showing respect for the adolescent’s feelings and validating their fear allows for a much more open and transparent channel of communication. Cross-sectional surveys highlight the importance of communication in mitigating symptoms of anxiety and depression [5,7,11]. It is imperative that their questions are answered directly and honestly, providing them with information in an open, age-appropriate, reassuring manner. It is also important to debate and explain what is being presented on television and social media. Discussing the pandemic, addressing the disruptions, and encouraging participation in the family’s decision-making helps young adults feel validated and empowered. It builds an implicit belief that an adult is always available.

Talking about solemn topics like illness and death needs to be done by giving simple, clear information about family health problems, in calm and neutral tones, while avoiding minimisation of serious health threats. It is vital to provide realistic reassurance and avoid false promises that might later damage the child’s ability to trust (eg, “Don’t worry, you will be fine”). Normalising experience, reinforcing the fact that they are not alone in this fight, sharing parental feelings and coping mechanism along with keeping routines and focusing on positive behaviour nurtures a calming environment.

Bolster parental mental well-being

Supporting parental health is also extremely important due to its tumble-down effect on the younger members of the family. Strong family relationships and positive interactions are protective considerations which can reinforce resilience. It is important for other adult family members to appreciate parents’ efforts. Reinforcing positive coping and stress reduction strategies like physical activity, regular use of green spaces, and pursuing safe social connections and routines helps promote parental and child health. These techniques have shown to dramatically reduce hypervigilance, lack of trust in adults, self-regulation issues, and inappropriate social interactions among adolescents.

Identify vulnerable subsets of adolescents

Assigning medical personnel towards mental health screening during these trying times remains a challenge. However, with the waves of COVID-19 pandemic plateauing, mental health screening for its aftermath becomes a realistic proposition. Screening can detect emotional and behavioural functioning/psychosocial symptoms, and help identify when referral for evaluation and treatment are needed. Mental health workers provide crucial support in the form of anticipatory guidance, symptom-specific support, suggested interventions, screening for risk factors, and early escalation of care. Guidance and support will help schools identify and support children and young people for whom lockdown has been particularly challenging in terms of engagement with virtual learning in order to ensure their learning needs are fulfilled.

Online professional counselling

Telemedicine or eHealth has been an integral part of health care-delivery for over two decades. However, the advantages of digital health resources have been particularly apparent during this pandemic. With social distancing measures in place, digital solutions have provided new ways of medical care services and support. Online therapy sessions or “cyber-counselling” has become a reasonable counselling conveyance strategy during this pandemic [16,18,20,21]. An irrefutable advantage of online counselling is that of availability and reach. It touches populaces that would not immediately look for face-to-face counselling. It also offers a different way of building rapport: instead of meeting in the counsellor's office, the venue of the virtual counselling is one’s home or private space, allowing for more intimacy. Furthermore, due to the anonymity associated with these sessions, the counselees tend to feel less ashamed about their issues, enabling a sense of fulfilment, smoothness, and session profundity [22-25]. Nonetheless, there have been concerns with respect to reduction of visual prompts, failure to intercede in an emergency, and the need of restorative control. Experts have also expressed concerns regarding the moral issues of cyber counselling, including things such as competence, informed consent, privacy, and security.

The goals of these counselling services include providing anticipatory guidance and strategies of coping with the crisis, screening for risk factors, and appropriate timing and deciding on escalation of care. Studies focussing on COVID-19 online counselling programmes have highlighted the uniqueness of these sessions [16,18,20,21]. As compared to longer, more in-depth service, these sessions are significantly shorter with a pandemic-oriented focus. An offshoot of virtual counselling is therapy via text-messaging. Young adults responded favourably as this facility allows a 24-hour emergency counselling service, along with the benefits of anonymity, and the capacity to re-read and alter written explanations.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term psychological effects of this COVID-19 pandemic especially on the young minds remain unclear. Additionally, the future of many young people is uncertain due to the interruption of education. While coping strategies from within the family and the community do help minimise the adverse effects of the pandemic on this generation of youth. It is imperative that policy makers, governmental bodies and stakeholders recognise the importance of education and mental health outcomes alongside those of employment and economic revival, and institute measures which will ensure that the “COVID-19 generation” is not disproportionately disadvantaged.