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The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also be stressful. As the year draws to a close, many people feel the pressure to have everything just right for their friends and family.
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also be stressful. As the year draws to a close, many people feel the pressure to have everything just right for their friends and family. According to one poll, approximately 80% of us find the holiday season to be 'somewhat' or 'very' stressful. Of course, you want to give your loved ones the perfect gifts and the perfect holiday party, but don’t lose sight of what’s truly important during this season. Here are five ways you can reduce your holiday stress so you can focus on what matters most to you.
It is common for people to prioritize others over taking time for themselves during the holidays. This can be a problem because it’s easy to overextend yourself during this time. As a result, you might find that you have no time for hobbies or downtime with friends and family.
You can lessen your holiday stress by prioritizing your time and reducing your obligations. Plan ahead of any commitments, assess and choose only the events that are most important to you. You'll feel less stressed in the long run if you're investing your time in activities that make you happy instead of worrying about everything else on your plate.
The holidays are as much about spending time with your loved ones as they are about giving gifts and throwing parties. Don't let holiday stress take away from those important moments. Instead, delegate what you can so that it doesn't become overwhelming.
If you find yourself feeling stressed because, for example, you don't know how to wrap gifts, delegate the wrapping to another family member or shop for presents at a store that offers gift-wrapping services. Or, if a holiday potluck is on your social calendar and taking the time to cook means you won't have any downtime, buy a dish! Use the resources around you to take some of the pressure off.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season. But it’s important to take time for yourself, and one way you can do this is by making lists. Putting things on paper can help you better understand how manageable your to-do list and all of the holiday events and gatherings will be. Create a list for everything so that you can cross items off as they are completed!
Making lists will also help you stay organized and on task overall while helping to keep your holiday stress levels down. Be sure to schedule time to be active and spend time outdoors (as weather allows) to reduce stress and ward off symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
You may have a lot of responsibilities this holiday season, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. One key way to reduce your holiday stress is by taking good care of your mental health. Listen to music that makes you feel calm and happy.
Meditate, be mindful, or do yoga at least once a day. Find time for exercise, even if it’s just walking around the block for 15 minutes each day. Eating healthy food will also help your mood. Watching a lighthearted comedy with friends or family can also help—you’ll laugh and release endorphins at the same time!
If you’re struggling this holiday season, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss managing seasonal depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues you might be experiencing. The best gift you can give yourself is to pay attention to your mental health and seek help when needed. You’re worth the time and effort!
Holiday stress often comes from trying to keep up with social expectations like holiday entertaining or gift-giving. People often put unrealistic expectations on themselves about how they should celebrate the holidays, leading to feelings of pressure and self-judgment if reality doesn't measure up to these expectations.
It's important that you try not to get carried away with these thoughts, and don’t worry about things going perfectly this holiday season. Instead, keep your perspective on what’s truly important in life and try not to lose sight of it amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Talkiatry provides accessible, affordable mental health care solutions that are personalized, in-network, and focused on helping you feel better, faster. We also offer flexible appointment options via telemedicine or in-office visits, matching our therapeutic and modern approach to psychiatric care.
Receive a preliminary diagnosis by taking our free and easy assessment today, then get matched with one of our psychiatrists, who will help you manage and treat your symptoms based on your unique needs.
Men's mental health has been a topic of discussion in recent years, and for good reason. The stigmas associated with mental health can make it difficult for anyone to talk about it, but men, in partic
Men's mental health has been a topic of discussion in recent years, and for good reason. The stigmas associated with mental health can make it difficult for anyone to talk about it, but men, in particular, are often fed messages that discourage them from showing emotion or being vulnerable.
It’s time that we consider how dangerous these societal pressures can be. Here, we’ll look at some staggering statistics about men's mental health and the unique issues men face that can prevent them from seeking the help they need.
Talkiatry staff psychiatrist Dr. Avreliya Shapiro explains,
“Men are much less likely than women to seek both physical and mental health care and are less likely to discuss troubles with anxiety or depression with their primary care doctors compared to women. Women also tend to share their struggles with mental health with their friends and family more frequently than men.”
Often, the tendency for men to ignore or downplay their mental health symptoms can be traced to long-held social norms and cultural stigmas that impose shame on men. Joseph Harper, executive director of Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center in East St. Louis, writes,
“Too many men think they are supposed to be strong or macho all the time — even when in pain. For many, it would be unimaginable, intolerable for anyone to know they were battling anxiety, depression, or were bogged down by their emotions.”
The fear of being considered weak or not “manly” enough leaves many men reluctant to speak up about their symptoms or seek the help they need. Here are some eye-opening statistics from Mental Health America about men’s mental health in the United States, revealing the dangerous consequences social norms and cultural stigmas can lead to:
Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned shame and vulnerability researcher and best-selling author, holds a special place in the conversation when it comes to shame. Dr. Brown suggests that the ultimate countermeasure to shame is vulnerability, which she defines as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. In an article examining shame and vulnerability in men, she asserted:
“Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It's the fear that we're not good enough. For men, it's the fear of not being wealthy enough, tough enough, or smart enough. The number one shame trigger for men is being perceived as weak. Men walk this tightrope where any sign of weakness elicits shame, and so they're afraid to make themselves vulnerable for fear of looking weak. But if you can't be vulnerable, then you can't truly grow and be your best self. Women can either embrace and help men walk across the tightrope, or we can be the ones who push them off.”
Men have deeply internalized society’s messages about masculinity, and although she calls out women specifically, this quote points to the role we play as a society in men’s mental health. If a man opens up about his struggles (or, more specifically, his mental health), do we allow him to do so? Do we hold space for his vulnerability? Our reaction matters.
If our goal is to end outdated stigma and harsh cultural norms and reverse some of the troubling facts about men’s mental health today, we must adopt a new vision for masculinity that values men’s ability to embrace uncertainty and the risk of emotional exposure. Brown cautions us, explaining, “Men are smart. They hear us asking for their vulnerability, but are also very aware that we may act scared or resentful when they show their vulnerable side.” If we aren’t ready to embrace male vulnerability as a society, we can’t begin to solve these serious problems associated with men’s mental health.
Successful changes start small—and with you. Get involved in this important conversation about men’s mental health by talking to your friends, family, partners, and loved ones. If you’re a woman, encourage the men in your life to be vulnerable, and make sure you respond with respect and gratitude when they are. You can also support better mental health for men by educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in men. While they’re similar to signs women present, men are less likely to talk about their feelings or seek help.
And for the men reading this—don’t be embarrassed to seek help if you feel you need it. As Harper points out, “Conditions such as anxiety and depression are much more common than you realize, and they don’t discriminate.” Unfortunate norms about masculinity have existed for generations—but together, we can change them.
Talkiatry provides accessible, affordable mental health care solutions that are personalized, in-network, and focused on helping you feel better, faster. We also offer flexible appointment options via telemedicine or in-office visits, matching our therapeutic and modern approach to psychiatric care.
Receive a preliminary diagnosis by taking our free and easy assessment today, then get matched with one of our psychiatrists, who will help you manage and treat your symptoms based on your unique needs.
Technological advances have led to a significant transformation in the healthcare industry, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These advancements have led to better clinical outcomes, which
Technological advances have led to a significant transformation in the healthcare industry, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These advancements have led to better clinical outcomes, which is why clinicians of all kinds are taking advantage of technology-enabled care. Tech-enabled care includes telehealth, telemedicine, mHealth, digital health, and eHealth services.
While the integration of digital technologies can serve as an advantage to all health care specialties, a significant increase in mental health issues and a lack of access to treatment has made it clear that psychiatry would significantly benefit from tech-enabled care. Some experts even believe that technology-enabled care will be the defining advancement of mental health services in this generation. The integration of technology and mental health care offers new ways of providing and receiving clinical treatment, monitoring progress, and increasing understanding of psychiatric illnesses.
Many psychiatry practices still use outdated processes, but Talkiatry is different.
Technology is an integral part of our mental health innovation strategy, and we are committed to providing clinicians with the advanced technology-enabled tools they need to deliver the highest quality of care. Robert Krayn, Chief Executive Officer at Talkiatry, explains this approach:
“Talkiatry doesn't just buy technology off the shelf and stitch it together—our software development team builds solutions informed by our psychiatrists, that do not exist in the marketplace today. As an example, the development of our clinical dashboards is guided by what our psychiatrists consider to be the most important clinical information to improve care. We employ data scientists who collaborate with our psychiatrists, working to understand the clinical question they are trying to answer. The data scientist helps us build relationships between data elements. The result is more meaningful and relevant information.”
With this tech-enabled approach, clinicians have the opportunity to recognize patterns based upon evidence-based care—and identify which interventions are most effective and result in improvements that help our patients feel better faster. In addition to our custom solutions, Talkiatry utilizes a range of tools like an integrated EHR (Electronic Health Record), physician-to-patient messaging, telemedicine, and direct lab integration. Each of these solutions empowers our clinicians to track and gain insight into their patient populations while also saving time, making better clinical decisions, and enabling them to provide improved clinical outcomes for patients.
We strongly believe that the future of mental health care lies in tech-enabled care solutions. Here are just a few of the many advantages we've experienced using the latest technology in our psychiatric practice model.
Tech-enabled solutions give clinicians access to information that allows them to meet their patient population’s needs better. At Talkiatry, this includes a wealth of clinical data that offers clinicians the ability to understand individual patients and their panels as a whole. To capture this data, Talkiatry regularly administers clinically validated scales (such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7) online for patients to complete outside of appointments. This allows clinicians to spend more time in appointments caring for the patient and less time doing paperwork.
Thanks to our highly skilled in-house technology team, we can explore population data in a single, integrated system that provides a 360-degree view of patients' care. Clinicians can use Talkiatry’s data to gain insight into individual patients and their patient population. For instance, a clinician could monitor and review the progression of recovery for all of their patients and easily spot outliers. They can also pinpoint more specific data, such as comparing the acuity of depression symptoms in patients who take a particular medication or patients with a specific diagnosis. In addition, detailed patient outcome data is readily available in the patient chart, so clinicians can easily access it. With all of this information at hand, doctors can often predict problems before they happen, sometimes without even seeing a patient.
EHRs can facilitate workflow and improve the quality of patient care and patient safety. Talkiatry’s EHR is fully integrated with lab work, telemedicine, messaging, and prescribing on one platform. Our proprietary technology uses evidence-based scales to track patients’ progress over time—all inside the EHR. Our lab integration even offers notifications and makes test results available for patients to access 24/7.
Talkiatry clinicians can choose the patients they want to work with, thus increasing the quality of patient care. Our assessment pre-screens and only matches patients to clinicians with the appropriate training, experience, and interests in treatment modality and diagnoses. As a result, clinicians' job satisfaction increases because they don't have to treat patients who don’t match their skills and interests.
With only about 30,000 active psychiatrists in the United States, efficiency is especially valuable in psychiatric care. Talkiatry's technology-driven approach to high-quality mental health care enables clinicians to provide treatment efficiently and at scale. For instance, our clinicians use physician-to-patient messaging to handle routine health issues more efficiently, allowing them to accommodate more patients who need care. This is just one of the solutions that aid us in our mission to increase access to mental health care for more people.
Talkiatry also provides internal communication tools that allow physicians to maintain a seamless collegial and collaborative work environment, even when working remotely.
At Talkiatry, you’ll receive test results efficiently and securely through a direct lab integration with Quest and LabCorp. As a result, patients and clinicians no longer have to wait for labs to mail or call with test results. Instead, results are posted on the app as soon as tests are complete, available to patients and providers to access 24/7. This also helps patients receive the care they need promptly.
For all of these reasons and more, the fusion of technology and mental health is at the core of our daily operations. By streamlining mental health care with tech-enabled solutions, we are breaking new ground in psychiatry. As new technology emerges, Talkiatry will continue to ensure its team has the technological tools needed to provide the most advanced clinical care.
We’re growing our practice and looking for talented psychiatrists to join our team.
Talkiatry is one of the largest, most innovative groups of in-network psychiatrists in the New York area and is quickly expanding to other states. As a single-specialty practice that was built by psychiatrists, for psychiatrists, Talkiatry knows the unique challenges that this profession faces. A collegial, collaborative workplace, Talkiatry offers clinicians a unique sense of camaraderie and shared values. There are also training and research opportunities available for continued professional development.
We take great pride in our talented team of clinicians and work proactively to provide them with the tech-enabled tools, support, and staff they need to deliver the best patient outcomes.
Do we sound like a good fit for you?
We are solving America’s mental health crisis, one psychiatrist at a time. Learn more about the benefits of working with Talkiatry and view our open psychiatrist jobs here.
With the intensive nature of courses and high-performance expectations, going off to college for the first time or heading back for another year is enough to send student stress levels soaring. But gi
With the intensive nature of courses and high-performance expectations, going off to college for the first time or heading back for another year is enough to send student stress levels soaring. But given the unknowns of the pandemic, the threat of the extremely contagious Delta variant, and the fact that many states, municipalities, and schools have reduced restrictions while COVID-19 threat levels remain elevated, this could be the most stressful situation college students have ever faced.
In the early summer months of 2021, COVID-19 cases were down, vaccinations were in full swing, and it looked like colleges and universities would essentially be back to business as usual in the fall. However, this didn't last long, and college students have had to adjust their mindsets once again. Entering the fall semester, college students may be struggling with the idea of attending classes in-person or living in campus housing as many safety protocols can go unenforced.
The uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness against the highly contagious Delta variant is another significant source of student stress this semester. As Dr. Daniel Weiss, staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, explained, “Vaccinated students may have a false sense of security that they are immune to illness, in part, due to prior messaging about the efficacy of vaccines in both preventing transmissions of COVID-19 and severe illness (the latter of which is still accurate in most cases).” He stressed the importance of maintaining a social distance and adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols while on campus due to the heightened risk of transmission of the Delta variant.
A recent study revealed that 95% of college students have experienced negative mental health symptoms due to COVID-19-related circumstances, and almost half (48%) of those students believe these mental health effects have directly impacted their education. In addition, students face increased levels of worry, anxiety, and depressive thoughts from stressors such as fears for their own health and that of their loved ones, disruptions in sleep patterns, and decreased social interactions.
The importance of taking care of physical and mental health has never been greater for college students. If you're currently in college, here are ten strategies you can use to cope with the stress and anxiety you may be feeling due to the pandemic—and the demands of college life in general.
Keeping a consistent routine can give you peace of mind by bringing order and control to some aspects of your life. A daily morning routine ensures that you are starting the day off right, while an evening routine ensures that you are going to bed able to relax, knowing that everything has been taken care of for that day.
When you have a long list of things to do, it can be easy to forget to eat. Suddenly, you realize you haven't eaten all day, so you scarf down a bowl of mac-and-cheese at 10 pm. Instead, make sure you set time aside each day to eat, whether it’s in between classes or while you’re doing homework.
Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of exercise can significantly positively impact your mental health. If you can't make it or aren't going to the gym due to the COVID threat level, take daily walks to help clear your mind.
These substances may ease some of your negative emotions in the short term, but they aren't a healthy means to cope with mental illness. In fact, increasing your consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational substances may exacerbate your mental health conditions.
Having a simple conversation with someone can help lighten your mood and make you feel happier. Unfortunately, we’ve missed many opportunities to interact with friends and family during the pandemic. To maintain your mental health, make social interactions a priority, even if they have to be virtual.
In these times of uncertainty, you can and should set personal boundaries with your peers and educators. Every person has their own beliefs and expectations in regards to social distancing, masking, and other precautionary measures. It’s more than ok to set expectations and create boundaries, but keep in mind it’s essential to respect the boundaries of others as well.
Dr. Daniel Weiss advises students to take advantage of their college’s wellness and medical programs as well as peer-led support groups and activities. These services are typically free and could make a huge difference in your mental health and overall sense of wellbeing.
Take time to appreciate your hard work and reflect on your accomplishments, no matter how big or small they are. For example, did you follow your daily routine every morning and every night for a week? Celebrate your success in a healthy way, like making time for self-care or taking a break to enjoy the sunset or sunrise—as long as it’s something that sparks joy for you. Use the pride you feel from this accomplishment to boost your motivation for the next goal you work on.
Studies show that students who enjoy hobbies are less likely to experience stress, low moods, and depression. So instead of de-stressing by watching TV or snacking mindlessly, try doing an activity that allows you to clear your mind while providing you with a much-needed break from screens.
Surrounding yourself with negative messages—whether it’s from social media, news outlets, or even friends—only hurts your mental health. The importance of staying informed can't be denied, but it is easy to become consumed with all the negativity circulating. Be sure to disconnect from the internet from time to time and avoid any situations that may cause unnecessary stress.
It will take time for the threat of COVID-19 to subside and for universities to return to normal operations. Given the current circumstances, it’s up to you to take action to ensure you have a successful, healthy semester.
Practicing these suggestions can help improve your overall mental health; however, if your symptoms become unmanageable or interfere with your ability to function or enjoy daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.
Talkiatry, an outpatient mental health practice, provides diagnosis and treatment plans for patients (including college students) to help manage COVID-related stress, anxiety disorders, and symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication.
Our affordable, in-network psychiatric care model is tailored to meet all your needs. In addition, we offer flexible telemedicine and in-office appointment options to match our therapeutic and modern approach to psychiatric care.
If you believe you (or your college student) are suffering from unusually high stress or an anxiety disorder as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, please don’t hesitate to seek treatment from a medical professional. Start the process by taking our free and easy assessment to receive a preliminary diagnosis and gain a better understanding of your symptoms. You will then be matched with one of our psychiatrists, who will provide you with a customized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.
If you're actively searching for psychiatrist jobs, perhaps you're a new graduate on the hunt for your first position out of training, or maybe you’re a seasoned practitioner seeking a change of pace.
If you're actively searching for psychiatrist jobs, perhaps you're a new graduate on the hunt for your first position out of training, or maybe you’re a seasoned practitioner seeking a change of pace. You’ve worked hard to earn your medical degree, completed four or more years of residency, and perhaps even acquired additional expertise in a subspecialty. After all this time and effort, you deserve a role that aligns with your goals and aspirations as a physician.
Due to the current shortage of psychiatrists in the U.S., employment opportunities are plentiful. To find a practice that suits you, your talents, and your needs, you must narrow the scope of your search. The question that arises when confronted with so many psychiatrist jobs is: “Where do I begin?”
Finding your ideal mix of key criteria in a particular role or opportunity is essential to helping you find your most suitable career path. You’ll need to think about much more than location, setting, hours, and compensation. Of course, these variables are important, but the type of practice you work in will primarily depend on two factors: the patient population you wish to serve and the level of acuity.
The patient population describes the group’s demographics, which can be segmented and analyzed in many ways — by race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, substance abuse history, and much more. Thus, you can begin determining your professional path by identifying which patient population you would enjoy treating most.
A patient’s acuity level relates to the frequency and type of contact a patient requires and the scope and intensity of case management you will provide. Understanding what acuity level you're most comfortable with will ensure that you set realistic expectations for yourself, your employer, and your patients.
As with any other profession, psychiatrist job candidates should analyze the details and pinpoint their priorities. Once you have an idea about the patient population and acuity you would like to work with, you’ll want to consider the following points.
What type of practice setting are you interested in? There are many things to consider in selecting the ideal practice setting. For example, consider the clinical community and the colleagues you will work with and the level of collaboration you’ll have with other specialties. Will you have support from therapists and psychologists?
Even if your choice of patient population narrows your choices, these other factors may ultimately influence the practice setting that you choose. As a psychiatrist, you have many choices, such as:
What would be your ideal workday? Figuring out the everyday interactions and activities you're interested in most will help you decide what type of role would fit you best. Other questions you may wish to consider are:
Would you prefer to have more flexibility in your work schedule? Achieving a work-life balance should be a top priority for you to prevent psychiatrist burnout. Flexible work hours and remote working options are practical benefits to seek out. Other factors such as practice setting, role responsibilities, and patient population also contribute to the level of flexibility you'll have.
The culture of a practice is another critical element to take into account. Does the practice have a unique community of like-minded people and shared values? What is the leadership style, and who will you answer to? For example, is the practice physician-led? These factors can all be very influential on how you feel at the end of a busy day.
What type of treatment modality is best for you? Do you hope to work in a practice with in-person or telehealth treatment options, or both? Although there was a great deal of skepticism at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has proven effective for the right patients and has transformed the online mental health care space. In addition, many psychiatrist jobs in the telemedicine space provide you with the flexibility you may be looking for that you can’t achieve in an in-person setting. Some questions to think about as you’re researching psychiatry jobs are:
What kind of reputation does the practice have? Consider the respectability level of any group you are thinking of joining. For example, do you want to join a healthcare organization or a consumer business? Does a psychiatrist lead the practice? You’ll also want to understand how much assistance the staff has and how well the colleagues connect. Where you work directly reflects your professional image, so it’s essential to understand a potential employer’s reputation before you apply.
How much compensation do you expect? In addition to a competitive salary, benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and retirement funds are important financial considerations. Dr. Ilisse Perlmutter, Talkiatry’s Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, counsels, “Regardless of how you structure your professional activities, you need to consider benefits and health insurance.” While pay structure is definitely an important aspect to consider, the best pay rate shouldn’t be the only motivator, and the highest salary doesn’t always mean it’s the best compensation package. In addition to identifying with the company's culture and mission, you should also consider their opportunities for learning and growth.
Ensure you know if the role is for an employee (W-2) or a contractor (1099), as the two have significant differences in compensation and employment structure. Lastly, it’s crucial to understand how the compensation is structured—for example, high-quality treatment outcomes are essential, so a compensation structure that rewards volume over quality (such as a productivity model) should be carefully considered.
“As you embark on your search for the right opportunity, make sure you have thought through your priorities and what's most important to you in a position. This is a big commitment! You can't have it all—so decide what concessions you are willing to make, and keep an open mind!”
Jill Steger, Director of Clinical Talent Acquisition, Talkiatry.
Beginning your search for a practice that meets your needs can be overwhelming. However, when you identify your goals and prioritize your key decision factors, you can set a clear vision to guide you through your search for psychiatrist jobs.
Although it doesn’t seem that way in the moment, nothing is etched in stone, and people make changes all the time as their interests, professional, and personal lives evolve. I tell my residents to think about what they love about being psychiatrists, and let that guide them.”
Dr. Ilisse Perlmutter, Talkiatry’s Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Though you may not find your dream role right away, working in an environment that matches your needs and aspirations will keep you motivated, avoid physician burnout, and ultimately lead to achieving your psychiatric career goals.
We’re growing our practice and looking for talented psychiatrists to join our team.
Talkiatry is one of the largest, most innovative groups of in-network psychiatrists in the New York area and is quickly expanding to other states. As a single-specialty practice that was built by psychiatrists, for psychiatrists, Talkiatry knows the unique challenges that this profession faces. A collegial, collaborative workplace, Talkiatry offers a unique sense of camaraderie and shared values. There are also training and research opportunities available for continued professional development.
We take great pride in our talented team of clinicians and work proactively to provide them with the tech-enabled tools, support, and staff they need to deliver the best patient outcomes. Each Talkiatry provider chooses their schedule and work hours, allowing them to curate their ideal work-life balance. Moreover, they are empowered to select their patient populations, ensuring they only treat the types of patients they want to treat.
Our support staff takes care of administrative burdens like billing, insurance, and appointment scheduling so our psychiatrists can focus on patient care. In addition, psychiatrists can track patient progress in new, previously impossible ways using Talkiatry's custom technology solutions and electronic health record system.
Last but not least, our psychiatrists receive top-of-the-market compensation with robust benefits. Talkiatry takes care of you so that you can take care of your patients.
We are solving America’s mental health crisis, one psychiatrist at a time. Learn more about the benefits of working with Talkiatry and view our open psychiatrist jobs here.
With many schools returning to in-person learning this fall, there has been a lot of talk about the high levels of stress and anxiety in children and adolescents. While the COVID-19 pandemic has been
With many schools returning to in-person learning this fall, there has been a lot of talk about the high levels of stress and anxiety in children and adolescents. While the COVID-19 pandemic has been emotionally challenging for many of us, children and teens may have experienced its effects more acutely due to the uncertainty and constant change. As we conclude the second year of restrictions and significant uncertainty due to COVID-19, we should take time to reflect on the potentially traumatic situations children may encounter to understand the possible ramifications for their mental health.
Although some kids and teens may prove to be remarkably resilient to the dramatic changes brought on by the pandemic, others could become traumatized by their experiences. In a recent HuffPost article, Talkiatry’s own director of child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Ilisse Perlmutter, spoke about how a highly stressful event like the pandemic can affect children, explaining, “After any disaster or traumatic experience, while the wish and hope is for a rapid return to ‘normal,’ the psychological and emotional aftermath greatly exceeds the more defined boundaries of the trauma itself. Children’s reactions may appear immediately…or may not appear for days, weeks, even years.”
We are always vulnerable to anxiety when our circumstances change. However, often, kids can’t articulate their feelings related to stress and anxiety as they may not fully understand the concepts yet. It’s the parent’s job to pay attention and look for signs that may be present. Below are some factors to consider that may help you assess your child's social, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
Since the pandemic began, precautionary measures have changed frequently. As a result, our routines have been disrupted, resulting in children and parents struggling to find a sense of normalcy. Routines are an essential part of development as they provide children with a sense of safety while also helping them develop life skills and build healthy habits. However, due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it can be challenging to maintain consistency in school, social activities, and friendships, which can trigger anxiety in children.
With social distancing recommendations of the past 18 months, families have spent more time together. Although spending more time together has turned out to be beneficial for many families, it may also have the unfortunate side effect of creating unhealthy habits in children. Having spent most of 2020 and 2021 at home, children may have difficulty adjusting to less family time as they return to in-person learning at school. A child with a separation anxiety disorder (SAD) becomes anxious and fearful when separated from their loved ones. Children suffering from separation anxiety may experience significant distress and be unable to enjoy their everyday activities, such as attending school or playing with other children.
It’s possible your child or adolescent experienced grief for the first time during the pandemic. Whether these deaths were COVID-19-related or not, traditional grieving processes like funerals or burial services couldn’t occur due to social distancing efforts and official limitations on gatherings and travel. “For the thousands who lost parents, grandparents, and other loved ones, the loss is immeasurable, and grief and bereavement can take many forms,” explained Dr. Perlmutter. The absence of a normal grieving process may seriously impact a child's ability to come to terms with that death, and this may ultimately affect their mental health if they are still struggling with this grief months later.
While coping with the situations listed above, children and adolescents may display various signs and symptoms of anxiety. Even if you cannot pinpoint an event or problem like those listed here, there are psychological and physiological symptoms to be aware of. As a parent, make sure to be observant of your child, so if they're showing any of these symptoms, you can help them get the support they need to overcome their anxiety.
Signs of anxiety in children and adolescents may differ depending on their age. Here's a list of symptoms and behaviors that may indicate your child is struggling with anxiety, based on age group.
One type of anxiety parents may see their children exhibiting in 2021 is reemergence anxiety. Reemergence anxiety can surface in kids who are still adjusting back to traditional social settings after losing their sense of normalcy during the pandemic. “Children thrive with consistency, and consistency has gone out of the window over the past year,” said licensed clinical social worker Nidhi Tewari, as quoted by HuffPost.
Children with reemergence anxiety present different symptoms depending on their personalities, but parents should look for the same indicators listed in the previous section.
Keep in mind that with pandemic-related emergence anxiety, children may be experiencing two types of anxiety: anxiety about contracting the virus and anxiety about the constant changes around them.
Here are some ways children may react to traumatic experiences, like the pandemic:
As society continues to reopen and we return to many of our pre-pandemic activities, it is essential to understand the stress and anxiety children and adolescents face now and be aware of any long-term health effects that may develop in the future. While we don’t know all of the long-term effects the pandemic will have, we know that traumatic experiences often have lasting effects, particularly on children and teens.
People's reactions to trauma are likely to differ depending on their age when the trauma occurred. A child who experiences a trauma before the age of 8 is particularly vulnerable; other factors include the severity of the trauma and its duration. And while some children and teens may be doing well at this time, parents should be alert to any changes in behavior or long-term effects their children may suffer as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents must be especially aware of and attentive to their child's mental health. If you’re looking for ways to help your child or teen handle stress and anxiety as they’re heading back to school, physically or virtually, try out the tips below. This is a prime opportunity for you to assist your child in establishing a growth mindset and learning healthy coping mechanisms that will last a lifetime.
Talk to your kids regularly about how they’re feeling, ask what they’re worried about or what’s making them feel bad--they don’t understand stress and anxiety. Just talking to someone about their problems may help kids feel better--talking is an effective way to deal with stress.
For additional guidance on getting the conversation started with a teenager, check out these tips from the CDC’s Parental Resources Kit for adolescents.
As our daily lives continue to shift, there are several ways parents can help their child or teen learn to cope with anxiety. These strategies will also help prepare your child for a smoother transition back to the classroom.
In some cases, your child or teen will need more support than you can offer. For example, if they exhibit signs of depression, adjustment disorders, or other mental health conditions—it’s time to seek outside help from a professional sooner rather than later. In fact, you can use this occasion to teach your children that it is not only ok for them to seek help for their mental and emotional wellbeing but that it is a sign of strength.
Even (or, especially) if your child or teen gets professional help, make sure to check in with them frequently about their feelings, emotions, and problems. A robust and well-rounded support system made up of family, friends, and professionals can make all the difference in your child’s emotional and mental health. And, whenever possible, Dr. Perlmutter says, “It is most helpful to focus on the resilience of children and to give them many opportunities to return to play and the work of being children.”
Despite many negative and dramatic changes during the past 18 months, one positive was that it made children more confident in dealing with the unknowns. As youths discovered ways to cope with the adverse effects of the pandemic and a time of constant change, they grew and developed resilience.
Talkiatry, an outpatient mental health practice, provides diagnosis and treatment plans for children and adolescents to help manage COVID-related stress, anxiety disorders, and symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication.
Our affordable, in-network psychiatric care model is tailored to meet all your family’s needs. In addition, we offer flexible telemedicine and in-office appointment options to match our therapeutic and modern approach to psychiatric care.
If you believe you or your child are suffering from unusually high stress or an anxiety disorder due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please don’t hesitate to seek treatment from a medical professional. Start the process by taking our free and easy assessment to receive a preliminary diagnosis and better understand the symptoms. You will then be matched with one of our psychiatrists, who will provide you with a customized treatment plan for managing your symptoms.
Stay up to date with the latest news and trends in mental health care, including Talkiatry’s modern approach to psychiatry.
Take our free and easy assessment to receive a preliminary diagnosis that will give you a better understanding of your current symptoms and the type of treatment you may need.
