Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and since 1997, Integro Services has been helping children, adults, and families achieve positive mental health. Emily Morrison, the Chief Clinical Officer, told WKHM recently that even though the pandemic is now behind us, adults and children alike are experiencing higher rates of anxiety and other issues as a result of the last three years.

“Kids thrive on routine and structure,” commented Jessica Hendricks, Training and Quality Director for Integro. “That was completely changed because of the pandemic so now we’re seeing kids that are struggling to adapt to structure again. They’re struggling with their peer relationships because they were pretty isolated and they weren’t having those social interactions at the same level that they had been prior to the pandemic happening.”

Hendricks says Integro is helping many families rebuild their social skills and resilience in healthy ways.

On the topic of social media, Morrison says many people turned to it during the pandemic because of isolation, but it has detrimental effects.

“What we find is that often social media is used as a way to numb out,” says Morrison. “It can be comparable to somebody who numbs out from drinking or somebody who numbs out by using drugs,” and says it needs to be better monitored especially with kids. Luckily, Integro helps parents navigate conversations with kids and teens on using social media in a healthy way.

To combat feelings of stress and unhappiness, Hendricks advises regularly making space to focus on moments of joy, awe, passion, and spending time with your tribe.

Hear more from Morrison and Hendricks below.