Although the pandemic was caused by a virus that physically affected a large part of the population, with the passage of time it has become evident that both the confinement and the death of family members or people close to them have also generated psychological repercussions in many people.
One of the social groups in which an increase in anxiety and depression problems has been observed is among young people, who have been affected in several ways. Firstly, there is the fear that the disease could take their parents or grandparents away from them.
Secondly, many of their personal projects were cut short or postponed. Thirdly, but perhaps most importantly, their social life has disappeared or been limited for many months, at an age when relationships with peers are especially important.
Another no less significant factor is the guilt to which they were subjected in many cases. During confinement, the young people were singled out as the possible causes of the death of their parents or grandparents, simply because they were with friends.
Finally, one must also take into account the fear for one’s own health that has been present. However, in this social group it may not have had too much weight, because it is a disease that affects older people and the perception of danger in young people is lower.
How to deal with anxiety or depression in young patients?
The main reason for consulting a specialist in psychology is always suffering, from which the therapist must help to eliminate or mitigate it.
As for the treatment approach, it is the same as in adult patients. The first step is to conduct an in-depth exploration in order to understand how the problems originate and are maintained. From there, the focus of the work is delimited. This procedure must be, as a whole, personalized and adapted to each individual.
The importance of psychological treatment
Fortunately, there is an increasing awareness of the usefulness of psychological therapy. This is largely due to the positive experience of previous generations, i.e. many young people have good examples from their relatives or people close to them. In fact, in many cases it is these same relatives who recommend psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy has grown a lot in Spain in the last 40 years, which has helped it to stop being perceived as a taboo. We can say that it is easier for people to say “I was in therapy and it helped me with this problem”, than to say “I am currently in therapy trying to solve this problem”.
It is important for people to know that suffering can be addressed and that we should not be afraid to look inside ourselves, to analyze how we relate to ourselves and to others. This work is what allows us to regain control of our lives.