Following the World Health Organisation's classification of COVID-19 as a pandemic, Governments all around the world have started to respond by enforcing measures such as social-distancing, quarantine and isolation. While necessary, these measures can have a significant effect on young people's mental health. Fear, anxiety, anger, sadness and grief are compounded by being away from schools, work and peers, adjusting to new ways of learning and working, as well as fear of losing jobs and family income.
For this reason, the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, in partnership with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, hosted a series of webinars for young people titled '#CopingWithCOVID'. The aim is to provide young people with a platform for genuine connection amid uncertainty, encouraging them to field their questions to experts from UNICEF and WHO, generate mental health awareness, and strengthen demand for integrated mental health and psychosocial interventions.
Everyone experiences stress and copes with it differently. It is natural to feel this way during difficult and uncertain times, and there are many things that can help: connect with people you trust; maintain a healthy routine, sleep and exercise; try relaxation exercises such as breathing, meditation and mindfulness; keep in touch with family and friends; and if you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker, social worker or another trusted person in your community.
Useful resources: UNICEF, WHO and MHIN mental-health guidance were shared with the sessions. Recordings and slides from each session are available via the UN Youth Envoy.