KID’s Mental Health Issues during Pandemic Time and How to Support Them

Today I would like to talk about an important topic that has affected almost everyone’s life specially during the COVID pandemic. Well, it is about mental health. But in this blog, I will be sharing information about the mental health of children. Before I start, I have a disclaimer. I am sharing information based on my research on this topic, my observations, and my perspective.

Mental health issues in children may sound a little strange to you. But it happens for sure because I have witnessed many kids around me getting sensitive lately and feeling sadder than before. Mental health issues can happen to anyone old or young. Children can’t express themselves well as adults. So they need more attention and help. Children can get mental health problems because of many reasons. Mental wellbeing is equally important as physical health. 

According to a study, Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people. 

About 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at an early age. * (Mental Health Foundation, UK)

You may be wondering “How will I know that my child needs to see a therapist or needs help?” And “What is causing my child to have anxiety?” Well, there are many ways to recognize the warnings.

What are some mental health issues in children?

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self Harm
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Eating Disorders
• Bipolar disorder 

What causes anxiety and other mental health issues in children? Why has it worsened in the pandemic?

Some factors can be as follows:

• School closings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Social Isolation
• Environmental problems such as conflict at home, losing near ones, financial problems like parents losing jobs, illness, divorce, domestic violence, social anxiety, abuse, etc
• Fear of getting sick/ getting Covid-19 
• Hormone problems such as changes related to puberty
• Genetics: family history of mental health disease. Such as anxiety and depression. 
• Social media and TV: watching the news about violence, death, and trauma. For example, gun violence, racial violence, insurrection, death due to COVID-19, etc.
• Bullying and discrimination at school if the kid is going to school, discrimination could be based on gender, race, or ethnicity.
• Changes: moving to a new country or city, new school or neighborhood.
• Unknown reasons sometimes 

How can you recognize that your child is struggling?

As a parent or guardian, if you notice the following changes in your children, take it seriously because it could mean something concerning happening inside them.

• Having bad dreams 
• Interrupted sleep
• Feeling tired all the time
• Having bad thoughts such as someone bringing a gun(shooting), going to school with a crazy look, being trapped in a room with no way to go, and more.
• Not Eating Properly or suddenly losing appetite. Some kids may complain of a loss of appetite, headaches, and tummy aches due to some anxiety. But going to a school and working with the school counselor may help.
• Feeling fidgety, angry, restless, etc.
• Being upset often
• Having meltdowns and tantrums 
• Feeling negative even after an achievement.
• Feeling like everyone hates you.
• Feeling bad about your look/ body image 
• Getting upset over small things
• Not being happy just like they used to
• Having constant tummy aches, headaches 
• Feeling low 
• Staying alone 
• Not interacting with others.
• Not able to concentrate or finish homework
• Grades going down 
• Complain from school 
• Avoiding social gatherings like birthday parties, playdates, etc.

How can you help the kids?

If the child has concerning symptoms it means that the child is going through something serious. If you notice your child getting restless, saying negative things, or crying, try to listen to them. Then try calming them down by changing the subject such as “What’s your favorite color?” Or “How was your day today?” Or more. If that doesn’t work then try to comfort them by telling them it’s ok to feel that way sometimes and be patient with them. It’s good to be calmer with your child and make them feel loved and cared for. Try to understand what’s bothering them? You can make them happy by doing small things such as getting them ice cream, complimenting them, listening to them, spending time with them, and treating them with kindness. You can get them fidgets to calm them. I suggest popping it or things you can squeeze.

If this continues to happen, please get your child professional help. You can get help by calling your child’s doctor and telling them about the symptoms. 

How to improve mental health in children?

• Spend time with children: Ask them about their day, don’t leave them alone for a long time, and involve them in activities.
• Physical activities such as basketball, soccer, tennis, martial arts, golf, biking, running, jumping rope, swimming and other fun activities.
• Creative activities: Reading and writing, art, music, etc
• Gardening, baking, cooking as a family.
• Promote outdoor activities like going camping, hiking, biking in nature. 
• Social activities like setting play dates
• Have a schedule at home. For example, bedtime, playtime, device time, reading time, etc.
• Avoid shows and TV news with negative news like wars, death, violence, etc.
• Sharing inspirational and motivational stories 
• Get board games such as Uno, chess, clue, snakes and ladders, candy land, etc.
• Get them creative. Create something new like a board game or get them to start writing and work together as a family.
• Start learning instruments. I suggest piano, violin, singing or the recorder. I used to play the recorder when I was in third grade and had lots of fun.
• Get them involved in clubs such as art clubs, coding clubs, chess clubs, and more.
• Making kids feel loved, trusted, understood, valued, and safe
• Supporting them in becoming independent and learning problem-solving skills.
• Make them feel as a part of the group. Like having a sense of belonging in their family, school, and community.
• Accepting them just the way they are.
• Not fighting in front of kids.
• Maintain a peaceful environment at home.

Credits: Google, Wikipedia, *Mental health in children and young people (Mental Health Foundation)

P.S: Special thanks to my mother for helping me write on this topic.