(WSIL)---A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed one in four teens has become angry, anxious or stressed during the pandemic, and about 15% show signs of depression, according to their parents or caregivers.
"The pandemic has created a massive amount of change for young people in many different ways. Their routine, the structure they're used to, and in some cases, the amount of time they have to socially interact with their peers," said Centerstone's Clinical Manager Niki Grajewski.
In order to help teens with their mental health, Grajewski said the first step is making sure there is a positive relationship between the teen and an adult.
"If a young person is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or socially, ensuring that they have people around them to support them, encourage them, love them unconditionally, that's really important," said Grajewski.
And when it comes to talking with your child, it's important to keep perspective, especially while teens have had little control over their social lives for the past year.
"I think it's important to realize that kids don't have a lot of control over their lives. They need adults who can create those situations for them for social interaction and for getting out of the house," said Grajewski.
But professionals said what kids may need most, is someone to hear them out.
"Above all else, I think young people just want to be heard. They don't even necessarily want us to have all the answers," said Grajewski.
