Our very own YouthLine volunteer adjusts to COVID19 and talks school, connecting with supports, and self care.
A reminder that YouthLine is an essential service during the COVDI19 shutdown. Teen volunteers are here to answer calls, texts, and chats from 4pm-10pm PST every day. Adults answer calls at all other times. Reach out if you need support!
This is a really stressful time for everyone. No matter the situation you’re in, or the things that COVID-19 may have brought up for you, your family, and friends. Because we’re all having to self-isolate and are maybe not able to see our supports like usual, it’s super important to be mindful of our mental health and how we’re doing. Our lives have been flipped upside down, in a way, pretty suddenly. It’s not easy adjusting to all of this, especially when this is a fairly new situation.
For a lot of people it might be hard adjusting to a new way of schooling. My school didn’t tell us we wouldn’t be coming back until recently. Lots of kids ended up leaving things in their lockers that they can’t get now, which I’m sure could be stressful if that’s something that also happened to you. It can be really difficult when it feels like the schools are making up the plan as they go, and they’re aren’t a lot of answers for all of us. But I know some schools have classes happening online now with weekly assignments. I’ve found it helpful having some of that structure of classes. Getting up and doing things can be tough when there’s nothing to go to. My school sent out a suggested schedule for us outlining classes and time to go outside as well. If that’s something your school hasn’t done and you think could help you that might be a good idea. For some people that might help provide a bit of structure, but I know schedules aren’t for everyone.
One of the things I’m missing most during quarantine is getting to see my friends everyday. Friends can be amazing supports in our lives, especially when we’re feeling isolated. Reaching out can be great for lots of people, especially the extroverts among us. Personally, I’ve been making time to call a few of my close friends everyday to see how they’re doing. Quarantine definitely has its setbacks, but I’ve found it nice being available during times I usually wouldn’t be to call friends in different time zones. It could also be an awesome opportunity to reach out to some people you haven’t talked to in awhile. Because we can’t hang out in person anymore, I’ve started doing a group FaceTime with some of my friends once a week and we play virtual cards against humanity online together. I know lots of people are also using zoom to talk while playing video games with friends, and some of my friends have been using the Netflix feature that lets you watch the same movie together.
Something I feel is probably one of the most important things during this time is to practice self care. It can get really stressful and it’s super important that we’re doing things that help us feel good. My favorite self care is to watch Netflix with my cats. But the weather has also been amazing where I am so going on walks with my dog and just getting outside in general has been super helpful for me. Now that I have all this free time I’ve been picking up things I used to love doing or old books I want to reread. I’m trying to learn how to make my own bread, so we’ll see how that goes. One of my friends pulled out some old beads and charms she’s had since fifth grade and forgot about. She’s started making her own jewelry and wants to sell it online. And some of my friends are just getting up to shower everyday, and that’s okay too. You don’t have to learn a new language at this time, or start a new workout routine. If you want to that’s amazing. But most importantly, you should take care of yourself in the best way for you. If that means just getting through the day, that is enough. Youthline is still open. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.