By Amy Braun
For

()Officials across the country are trying to figure out how to best open schools. But one thing is often forgotten: students’ mental health. The first step in helping our children heal is to prepare them for school and help them learn.

Many children feel isolated and lonely because of the coronavirus. The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry published research on the effects of lockdowns that showed young people who feel lonely are three times more likely than others to fall into depression. It also suggested that their mental health may be affected for at least nine year.

One answer: Since 2003 HealthCorpsAs a health and wellness specialist, she has assisted in the development of programs that promote physical activity, nutrition, mental resilience, civic engagement, as well as enhancing existing health and wellness programs. These teens are likely to experience different access to healthcare based on socio-economic status, geography, race, and ethnicity. The results can be predictable. This includes higher rates of chronic diseases (including stress) as well as lower quality of life and expected life expectancy.

Yet, the students who work with us have thrived because of our unique curriculum, which was created by top health care professionals and is constantly updated to meet their needs. They are healthier, more active, and more positive. Yes, they are more involved in their communities.

Many teens have been stressed since childhood. This is why we brought “The Stress Lesson” to the classroom, even before the pandemic.Bust My Stress” What about now? You can see how fragile our nation’s teens are when you add the coronavirus-induced isolation feelings to this equation.

One of our Florida students so heartbreakingly shared his experience during lockdowns with us: “I still keep it in, but I still think negative like every night. I cry it out so I won’t have to feel that way again in the morning.”

Mental resilience is a growing focus of our work.

Parents have a role in the healing of their teens. “They can help by reassuring teens that, just because they’re nervous or scared, doesn’t mean they’re really in any danger,”Mark Goulston M.D., a HealthCorps member advisory board and widely quoted expert in building a positive environment, says. “By reminding them that their bodies don’t really understand the fear, and by talking it out and discussing the fear, both the parent and child will feel better and closer.”

HealthCorps’ program is delivered by recent college graduates who are likely to become medical and policy professionals. They have simple steps to help teens through difficult times and interact with them every day – even though they are able to do so virtually. They include:

* Try meditating or deep-breathing methods, which increase your body’s natural ability to relax during high-stress moments.

* Get moving.

* Prioritize sleep.

* Talk things out with someone you trust.

* Do or watch something that makes you laugh.

* Keep a non-judgmental journal to help process thoughts.

* Practice gratitude and positive self-talk.

Let’s not forget one last thing. These and other tips are available on our new website. @teenhealthvibeYou can also use the Instagram channel to apply for adults.

Amy Braun is the CEO at HealthCorps, which is a national non-profit that provides health and wellness resources for teens, parents, and teachers at high-need schools.