Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is now offering a video appropriate for parents and kids who are suffering from the emotional and social effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The new video, entitled 'Truths Change And Still Remain", is available at her site at http://www.enchantedself.com.
“My gift to you and your children is a little film I made that in two minutes takes the 'girl' of my books: ‘The Truth’ and ‘Secrets’ and of my films: ‘Falling in Love’, ‘Secrets’, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, and more, from anguish to elation and happiness once more,” Dr. Holstein stated. “I hope you enjoy the images and the music and lyrics. The message is universal. No matter what stage of life we are at, we have disappointments and unexpected changes, we bounce back, move on and later again we flounder, come back. This roller coaster ride of life is a gift if we grow and learn and love through each phase. I hope that is what you see in my film and will gather your strength to do just this during the Coronavirus time in our lives.”
We are all suffering the psychological effects of living through a pandemic. Millions of adults are out of work. The virus hits older people especially hard. Therefore it is no surprise that we overlook the effects the pandemic has on our young people. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and award winning Selfie filmmaker gives young people a real voice through her work. She provides some guidance on how parents can first understand and then help overcome the effects the current situation has on young people.
"Sometimes we can forget how much kids suffer during hard times," Dr. Holstein stated. "Just because they're young and strong physically, can stay up half the night and laugh hysterically, does not mean that they are immune to the suffering going on around them and around the world due to the coronavirus. In fact, kids are very susceptible to all sorts of emotional upheavals because they're not fully developed emotionally. That takes many, many years. They have reactions that include anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, frustration, disappointment, unhappiness, tears, gloomy feelings and thoughts, and even worse.
"Sadly the news is now bringing up at least one suicide by a youngster. So it is extremely important for everybody to not only protect the mental health of adults but also of children, tweens, teens and young adults.
"One of the things that has disappointed and upset them is the lack of a graduation ceremony - to give them a chance to celebrate a milestone in their lives. Another disappointment is not having an official prom, to get dressed up and feel like a king or queen for the night. Other disappointments are losing part time jobs, not going to school and having virtual learning, losing sport activities, and being housebound as the result of stay at home and social distancing rules.
"Social sustaining is difficult because kids are missing even the most simple social activities like hugging and laughing hysterically with their friends or physically touching in playful ways that go with just being young. If they have a boyfriend or girlfriend, then it means missing some of the closeness that the couple has established. Oftentimes adult couples live together. Even if they're housebound they still have each other. Kids, teens and young adults who have a close significant other often do not live in the same household, so it's a particularly lonely and difficult time.
"One of the other dilemmas is that kids who are now graduating feel uncertain regarding whether they can they go off to a college in the fall. Will there be monies for loans? Will the college be operating? Do they really want to be in a virtual environment for their schooling?
“Let’s turn now to helpful suggestions:
1. Be your own investigator. Is your child despondent hanging in his or her room too much?Is he very sour or critical or do you hear him crying or getting very angry. Is she not eating enough or binging? Listen and watch. Be observant for any changes that could reflect anxiety or depression or other problems.
2. You are your child’s guardian and protector. Don't be afraid to take charge. Sit down and share with him, perhaps some examples of worries or anxiety or sleeplessness that you may be experiencing. Encourage him to share with you what he is feeling and what is happening in his life. Reassure that we will get to solutions and good news.
For example:
3. If your daughter is disappointed because she's not going to a prom, perhaps you and she can still order some clothing online that absolutely delights her. Or maybe she can get all dressed up and the family can have a fancy dinner in her honor.
And always stay wise:
4.If your child is experiencing a lot of anxiety or other symptoms it may be time to call his physician. Do not ignore serious symptoms:
5. If you see more serious things going on, make sure you talk to a professional who can direct you with advice and connections. Your child is precious!
Lastly:
6.Try to bring fun and harmony into your family life. This may mean watching funny shows together, laughing as cats and dogs runaround in crazy ways on YouTube, or watching comedies. It can also mean feeling free to tell and share family stories that end with humor or a happy ending. Think about reaching out to grandparents to share zoom meals together, cousins that may want to join once a week in a shared dinner, and all sorts of ideas that you pull out of your own hat of creativity. Your desire to make this experience a growth experience that has some some pleasant, enjoyable moments and some serious moments of learning will help your kids adapt and be resilient forever.
“You are free to pass Truths Change and Still Remain along on Facebook, Twitter, or wherever you share good news! You can find it anytime on the front page of http://www.enchantedself.com.
Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.
Profile:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.
Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting.
She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time on line, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.
Contact:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
http://www.enchantedself.com
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
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