Young people and COVID-19: In our own words

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has really changed how we live over the last few weeks. Schools and colleges are closed, many people are now out of work or working from home, and we’ve all been asked to social distance from each other.

Some people are using this time to focus on new or old hobbies, connect with friends and family remotely, exercise, or just relax. For many people, the last few weeks have been difficult, both physically and mentally. Many people are anxious or stressed about the pandemic and the impact it is having, while uncertainty around jobs, exams and special occasions is worrying others.

How young people are managing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Young people across Ireland have been sharing their experiences, opinions and advice with us. Read articles from our volunteers on mental health, wellbeing, the Leaving Cert, how they’re spending their time at home, and their thoughts for the future.

Looking after your mental health

• How I support my mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Why it’s ok to feel disappointed about the impact of COVID-19
• How to make the most of your COVID-19 disappointment
• My tips for reducing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Young people and COVID-19: Mental health stories
• Why I’m struggling with my mental health during COVID-19

Taking care of your mental & physical wellbeing

• My tips for staying healthy while social distancing
• Tips for keeping your body and mind active during the COVID-19 pandemic
• My top 5 tips for enjoying ourselves while social distancing
• 5 positive things to focus on during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Why we should be kind to ourselves during COVID-19
• Why we shouldn’t feel pressured to be productive during COVID-19

Studying and exams

• How I’m coping with exam worry during the coronavirus crisis
• My tips for staying focused while studying at home
• How COVID-19 is impacting students in school and college
• Why colleges should bring in a “No detriment” policy for COVID-19
• Young people and COVID-19: School students
• Young people and COVID-19: College students

The Leaving Cert

• Why we should get predicted grades for the Leaving Cert
• Why we urgently need a decision on the Leaving Cert
• How the Leaving Cert uncertainty is impacting my mental health
• How the Leaving Cert confusion is affecting me
• Young people share their thoughts on the new Leaving Cert 2020 plans
• Young people and COVID-19: The Leaving Cert

Employment and unemployment

• Finishing college and finding a job during the COVID-19 pandemic
• My experience working in retail during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Working in a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

The impact on our society

• How COVID-19 could influence politics in Ireland
• Will COVID-19 help make a more inclusive society?
• What important lessons can we learn from the COVID-19 pandemic
• What I took for granted for the COVID-19 pandemic
• Making time for the things we enjoy after COVID-19
• Why we need to support people in Direct Provision during COVID-19

Social distancing and staying at home

• How to make the most of your time at home
• Why we all need to act responsibly with the coronavirus
• Rediscovering our passions during the COVID-19 pandemic
• My tips for supporting your relationship while social distancing
• Why it’s important to support each other while social distancing
• What I’ve learned about myself during the COVID-19 pandemic