Hello, I am Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, and during this video I will be talking about the effects of Covid-19 in adolescents and young adults. 

Many of us expect to experience some loss throughout our lives, however over the past several months, many adolescents and young adults have experienced loss greater than they could have anticipated. You all have had to adjust your learning styles in ways you never thought possible! Many of you had to leave friendships over text instead of with a hug. Many of you missed graduations, celebrations, sports, musicals, and special events without notice. The events that many of you have waited for, dreamed about, and even played out in your head countless times have had to be let go, as if it never mattered. 

For many people with great coping skills, these events seem unbearable. For some of you, these events may have really overwhelmed you to the point where you may have felt sadness that felt unmanageable and really intense anxiety over not knowing what was ahead of you! I know that these feelings during this time can be hard to tolerate. I also know that there are other people, just like you, that have similar feelings, and connecting with people that can relate to how you feel can bring a sense of connection. 

Covid-19 has certainly changed the way relationships and traditional events have unfolded, but it is important to remember that it will pass. When expectations are consistently not met, and lots of disappointment occurs, it can feel like it may never get better. It can feel like there is no answer, no hope, and certainly no change in sight. It is in these moments that you can take control over reaching out to someone you trust in your support network and talk through your emotions. You can find ways to lean on coping skills - such as………you have learned along the way that will help you rise up in the face of all this uncertainty! What can you do in your own life that improves your present moment? Remember, keeping the feelings you have about Covid -19 hidden can really create more stress for you! You are not alone, and connecting with others about how you are feeling and sharing healthy coping skills can definitely help you to find your inner strength to navigate these unfamiliar times. 

If you find yourself feeling stressed in light of the events of Covid-19, please take the time to reach out to someone and discuss your feelings with a trusted provider. 

Thank you for watching,