Two important factors that provide security for a teenager are home and school, both of which have been disrupted by the coronavirus. The current expectations of home and school life are so new that it’s hard to relate to how things are now versus how things used to be. Plus, no one knows how long our current state will remain a reality. With all this change, stress and even depression can become an issue. Stress and depression are serious problems for teenagers in normal times, and even more so amid a global pandemic.

Plus, no one knows how long our current state will remain a reality. With all this change, stress and even depression can become an issue. Stress and depression are serious problems for teenagers in normal times, and even more so amid a global pandemic.

Stress is characterized by feelings of worry and sadness, or frustration and added tension. Wanting to withdraw from others for more than a few hours may be associated with stress. Depression is connected to more extreme feelings of hopelessness, sadness, worry, isolation and withdrawal that last several weeks or more.

So how do you recognize if what you are experiencing is more than simply adjusting to change? What if it is depression?

Many times with depression, there is a shift in how you think and act. You may have no motivation to do anything, feel withdrawn and have a desire to keep to yourself for long periods of time. You may sleep longer than normal. Your eating habits may change. You could have no appetite at all, or you may want to eat everything you can get your hands on.

You may feel apathetic and lack concentration. You may experience sadness that grows the longer you are confined to your home. Or you may become anxious and worried to the point of hopelessness.

Two important factors that provide security for a teenager are home and school, both of which have been disrupted by the coronavirus.

Most teenagers respond to stress in normal times by doing something relaxing, like hanging out with friends. These interactions help them think positively about life and use problem-solving techniques to relieve the difficulty that is causing the stress. Since such interactions may not be possible, here are some options you might want to consider.

You still have online schoolwork to do. Commit to do your best in spite of the current circumstances.
Get your school work done so you will have time to spend on other activities that reduce stress, like listening to music. Try worship music to take your eyes off your circumstances and place them on Jesus Christ who has the power to change all things.
Make up your mind to improve in one area of your life while you have a little more time to plan and put things into action. Maybe it’s to play more basketball or start an exercise program. Decide to walk at least 30 minutes a day, and increase that time every three or four days. Practice the piano. Read a book. Better yet, ask a friend or two to read the same book and then FaceTime to discuss what you read.
Utilize technology to do a small group Bible study with friends. Ask your youth minister or parents for ideas.
Organize a scavenger hunt with friends. Get all of them online, give them something they have to go find and whoever comes back first wins.

Additionally, statistics say that this generation spends more than 9 hours per day with technology and media. Instead of listening to all the updated statistics about those infected by the virus, try some of the following alternatives.

Survey how many songs you listen to that are not uplifting and don’t allow you to see hope in the midst of trouble.
Consider your choice of media. Do you consume media or gaming that is violent or promotes harm to others, whether those individuals are real or imagined?
Don’t just sleep or lounge in bed. Get up about the same time each day and try to stick to a daily schedule. Make a list of things you want to accomplish each day.

During these uncertain times, remember that God is in control. This virus did not surprise Him. Plus, this virus came in an age when we have technology that allows us to reach out to our friends and family almost instantly.

Technology is also allowing churches to continue sharing the truth that God is in control and He has a plan for all to be in a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Hope during any time is found in a relationship with Jesus!

Merrie Allen Johnson serves as the student ministries strategist for the Ministry Strategies group. She has been on staff at the Baptist state convention since 2001.

Merrie’s duties include the eight weeks of Caswell Youth Camps, continuing education retreats for youth ministers and youth workers, and fall retreats at Caswell. She also leads youth worker training events across North Carolina.

Merrie has been in youth ministry for more than three decades. She has written numerous articles over the years for the Baptist Sunday School Board and LifeWay in the areas of youth discipleship, missions and youth ministry programming, including the Single Purpose articles for LifeWay’s Living with Teenagers magazine. Merrie has written dramas and entire worship services for Student Day at Christmas. Her first published piece was a youth musical titled, “Timothy: Discovering God’s Will,” which she co-authored with Stan Pethel while in college.

Merrie’s desire is for students to realize that God is working all around them and they need to be on the hunt to find Him and give Him the glory and praise. Merrie says you need to do the “God Hunt Dance” when you realize it is His working in your life. She has amazing personal stories of how God has been leading her for years on this wonderful adventure of discovering His power and strength. She is excited about her relationship with Christ and it shows!

Merrie earned her doctorate of education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2013. She is the proud mother of two grown boys, and lives in Garner, North Carolina. “Go God!”