As the Covid19 pandemic arises, mental health problems among teens increase rapidly. According to the analysis of U.S. health insurance, data reveals that in March and April 2020, mental health claims among teens increased by 97% and 103.5% compared with the same months in 2019.

In 2021, researchers also found that 46% of 977 parents of teens said their child has shown signs of a new or worsening mental health condition since the start of the pandemic.

More parents of teen girls than parents of teen boys reported an increase in anxiety/worry (36% vs. 19%) or depression/sadness (31% vs. 18%).

Girls and boys had similar rates of negative changes in their sleep (24% for girls vs. 21% for boys), withdrawing from family (14% vs. 13%) and aggressive behavior (8% vs. 9%), according to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at Michigan Medicine.

Staying inside the four corners of our homes with less chance of getting outside disrupts our normal routines. With teens having to change their daily lifestyle because of the pandemic, it adds stress and it might trigger their emotional and mental issues.

Please do remember that our mental health is as important as our physical health. We must take time to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally for the sake of our well-being. In these trying times it is a must to make our mental health a priority.

Here are some ways on how to protect your mental health:

Consider how to connect with others: Video calls with friends and family can help beat isolation.

Help and support others: Think about how you could help those around you – it could make a big difference to them and can make you feel better too.

Talk about your worries: Remember that this is a difficult time for everyone and sharing how you are feeling and the things you are doing to cope with family and friends can help them too.

Look after your physical well-being: Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise inside where possible and outside once a day (keeping the recommended 2 meters from others as outlined in the social distancing guidance and if this is in accordance with government advice in your country).

Look after your sleep: Try to maintain regular sleeping patterns and keep good sleep hygiene practices – like avoiding screens before bed, cutting back on caffeine and creating a restful environment.

Try to manage difficult feelings: Try to focus on the things you can control, including where you get information from and actions to make yourself feel better prepared. The Every Mind Matters page on anxiety and NHS mental wellbeing audio guides provide further information on how to manage anxiety.

Manage your media and information intake: 24-hour news and constant social media updates can make you more worried. It may help to only check the news at set times or limit yourself to a couple of checks a day.

Get the facts: Gather high-quality information that will help you to accurately determine your own or other people’s risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) so that you can take reasonable precautions.

Think about your new daily routine: Think about how you can adapt and create positive new routines – try to engage in useful activities (such as cleaning, cooking or exercise) or meaningful activities (such as reading or calling a friend). You might find it helpful to write a plan for your day or your week.

Do things you enjoy: If you can’t do the things you normally enjoy because you are staying at home, try to think about how you could adapt them, or try something new. There are lots of free tutorials and courses online.

Set goals: Setting goals and achieving them gives a sense of control and purpose – think about things you want or need to do that you can still do at home.

Keep your mind active: Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles, sudokus, jigsaws or drawing and painting. Find something that works for you.

Take time to relax and focus on the present: Relaxation techniques can help some people to deal with feelings of anxiety. For useful resources see Every Mind Matters and NHS’ mindfulness page.

If you can, once a day get outside, or bring nature in: Spending time in green spaces can benefit both your mental and physical well-being. If you can’t get outside you can try to get these positive effects by spending time with the windows open, or arranging space to sit and see a view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight.

If it comes to a point that it’s too much to handle already, there are people out there who are willing to help you.

Here are some numbers that you or someone you know might need:

Australia: 13 11 14 (Lifeline Australia)

Canada: 902-429-8167 (Mental Health Mobile Crisis Telephone Line

USA: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (Hopeline)

Hong Kong: +852 23820000 (Suicide Prevention Services)

China: 800-810-1117 (Beijing Suicide Prevention Hotline)

Philippines: 02-896-9191 (Helpline)