When school moves online and uncertainty drags on, our children and teenagers often look “fine” while their nervous system is doing overtime.

In this Special Edition of ConnectForHealth, we speak directly to children and teens about what many are feeling during prolonged uncertainty: being tired, distracted, on edge, and finding it hard to switch off.

Scott Armstrong (mentl) is joined by Sema Corbaci, Chief Counsel, Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa, and her 12-year-old daughter Flossie, alongside expert guest Mark Samways, Director of Wellbeing (Schools and Organisations) and Counselling Psychologist at The Free Spirit Collective in Dubai.

Together, they explore:

• Why our brains and bodies react when things feel uncertain for a long time
• Why online learning can feel harder, and how to reset expectations
• Sleep and switching off at night, plus overthinking and worry spirals
• Friendship, belonging, and staying connected without overload
• How to help a friend without taking on their stress
• How parents can talk about what’s happening without creating fear

Listen if you want calm, realistic tools for sleep, focus, and worry that actually fit real life.

ConnectForHealth is an initiative by Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa, supported by mentl.