By Melanie Fernandez
Featuring Psychologist Annette Gutierrez Hersh and Town Clerk Gina Inguanzo
In a matter of weeks, the world was forced to shelter away in their homes as the novel coronavirus outbreak swept through each country. All routines were interrupted, and life was put on pause as millions grappled for a sense of normalcy.
It’s been almost seven months now since the virus was categorized as a pandemic, and it’s undeniable to admit that this new normal has changed our lives completely.
As COVID-19 has continued to spread, a global trail of anxiety has simply continued growing.
At home, some people are struggling with social distancing and the newfound loneliness and anxiety that comes with it. To battle this new reality, many have started thinking about what to do to distract themselves. Staying busy has become the key to fend off this anxiety.
For some, this has meant picking up a new hobby, and for others, “staying busy” means sleeping in all day.
Teenagers, especially, have turned to various outlets as a way to deal with the world’s new normal. Some teens have become more creative on social media, where they now share things like “coronavirus music playlists” and internet memes about our current situation. Other teens have turned to exercise and physical activity like running outside (while following CDC guidelines) or streaming yoga and exercise videos. And others, beyond the mandated online school connections, organize frequent virtual meetings and hangouts with their friends and family.
The truth is, there is no correct way to react to a worldwide pandemic and, whether it is anxiety surrounding the unknown or the virus itself, there are many ways to cope.
While some teens are focusing on incorporating activities that make them happy, others find it difficult to discipline themselves to a routine and panic at the complete loss of structure.
According to mental health experts, teenagers are particularly susceptible to the mental and emotional stress brought on by the pandemic.
“It is important to work through personal emotions in healthy ways, like reaching out to a trusted adult or friend, journaling, or meditating,” said Psychologist Annette Gutierrez Hersh, who has treated hundreds of patients with anxiety and depression.
“The habits that teens create now will most likely continue well into their adulthood, so it is important that they learn to have outlets to express themselves in a safe way,” she added.
Gutierrez Hersh recommends creating distractions with enjoyable activities and to connect with friends via Zoom or facetime. It is key to maintain social connections virtually to further establish a stable support system. This time alone can also help teens figure out what hobbies they enjoy and be more independent.
As she highlighted, this is an opportunity for teens to learn how to understand what they are feeling and find positive outlets — picking up an instrument, journaling as Guetierrez Hersh mentioned, painting, reading, exercising — to express themselves.
And as some of the social distancing restrictions are lifted, people can begin to spend more time outdoors, which can be a natural mood booster. Even in Miami-Dade County, which still has stricter restrictions in place than the northern part of the state, residents can go outside, and spend time at public parks. But of course, it is important to keep practicing CDC recommendations.
“Continue taking precautions and keep up with current CDC guidelines and rules concerning the county,” said Gina Inguanzo, town clerk for the Town of Miami Lakes. She personally carries multiple pairs of gloves, a mask, and antibacterial hand sanitizer and recommends for others to create a similar system when leaving their houses for essential trips.
As a mother of two teenagers, she understands the importance of staying connected to friends and staying positive.
“Make the best of the situation,” she said.
“Remember that this is only temporary. Trust the process.”
