The coronavirus has turned normal routines upside down for most of us, and can’t help but impact the mental health of everybody. This issue of the eBlast looks at the special concerns around helping teens cope during this stressful time—from “in my feelings” to moving forward in times of uncertainty.

“I haven’t seen my son today.” Have you said that, or something similar, about your teen recently? Retreating to the sanctuary of their room is typical teenage behavior regardless of a pandemic, but hiding out in their room may be even more pronounced right now. There is nothing more important for teen development that social connection…and that has been altered drastically. For teens with special health care needs and disabilities, the changes are complex, layered, and can be more challenging. Of course many teens are nimble and adept at connection through technology so they are still connecting with friends…but how do they feel? Are they handling their feelings in a healthy way?

If your teen is able to share their feelings and expresses very concerning thoughts such as self-harm or suicide, seek help immediately. Here are some resources that your teen can access on their own when they need someone to talk to at any time of day or night:

NOTE: in REFRAME section there are additional tools that teens and their supports can use to help organize themselves and put these tips into place.

BREAKS: from news about the pandemic

CARE: take care of yourself and others, kindness helps

EAT: healthy, well-balanced meals

MOVE: exercise, breathe, stretch

SLEEP: get enough sleep and keep a regular sleep schedule

AVOID: alcohol and drugs

ENJOY: unwind and do what you enjoy

CONNECT: with those you trust about concerns and feelings

The class of 2020 was born in the year 9/11 occurred and graduate in the year of a pandemic—bookended by challenge. Your teen with special health care and disabilities has likely already faced plenty of challenges since birth, so they already know that life is full of ups and downs. However, they may not have fully processed it or are still working on making sense of it. The pandemic may provide us all with more time and space to dive deeper and explore what to do with situations where there is a lot you CAN’T change, but some things that you CAN change. How do you help your “quaranteen” cope and learn to move forward in times of uncertainty? How to help them build resilience, find joy/hope, and REFRAME?