With so many things happening and people being urged to stay inside unless necessary to make sure their physical health is safe, they forget about mental health. Most importantly, the mental health of kids during this global health crisis.
Children are playing alone in their homes, teens being locked up in their room glued to their phones, and some children worry for the safety of their parents who are front liners or in the food packing industry. These are only some of the many experiences that kids have to deal with each day ever since COVID-19 became a pandemic.
Some kids are even hopeless and have “nothing to look forward to” as they attempt to stop themselves from sliding into a pit of depression. This virus isn’t the only thing threatening the lives of children and adults alike, mental health is invisible similar to COVID-19, but far more deadly.
Why Helping Children Should Be A Priority
The problem of mental health isn’t isolated only to adults and young adults suffering from anxiety and depression. Mental health problems such as depression attack those who have weakened mental fortitude.
At times like this, everyone is feeling down and hopeless because of COVID-19. Everyone is tired of staying at home and some people are even starving because they can’t work and get food for their families. Kids are no exception to this feeling of dread and uncertainty.
You may think that these children aren’t affected by what’s happening but in reality, they’re included in the ones that are being hit the hardest. The inability to socialize and the looming fear of the coronavirus affecting them or their loved ones can give them a great deal of anxiety.
This is deadly for kids who haven’t developed a proper coping mechanism yet. Not to mention the shock that they’d experience after the virus has settled down and they’re put in a classroom environment again. The possibility of dissociative behaviors of hyperactivity could arise depending on the child.
Because everyone is forced to stay home, cases of domestic abuse and children being exposed to violence have skyrocketed. Home is supposed to be a safe place to hide against the coronavirus but what happens when the place isn’t even safe.
Being stripped of prom, friends, outings, and social gatherings can take an emotional toll on children and teens. This can cause stress and it becomes even worse if we count cases where children are trapped in their houses with abusive and toxic parents.
The Loss of A Loved One And How It Affects Children
The possibility of losing a loved one to COVID-19 is always a possibility if they’re an essential worker or just unfortunate enough to contract the virus. Although the possibility of recovery is higher than the possibility of death, if ever a loved one does die, this would be quite the traumatic experience for children and teens.
This is especially problematic in a time where regulations strictly FORBID gatherings of any form. The grieving process would be short and the possibility of having a proper burial is close none. Dissociative behavior will start to arise and even depression could develop because of this.
The loss of a loved one isn’t something to scoff at and it is a possibility in an uncertain time such as this.
Children With Mental Health Issue
Children who undergo therapy and counseling are being hit the hardest by the situation. Not only are they trapped in self-isolation, but they’re also unable to seek help because of the coronavirus. Although online counseling exists, there’s only so much a counselor can do through a screen.
Not to mention the possibility of a relapse and even cases of self-harm because they’re trapped in the house with their thoughts. The lack of productivity and distraction become a problem. Anxiety also develops within the children of healthcare and essential workers as they risk their health so that society can function properly.
If this happens, as a parent, you shouldn’t wait for mental health professionals and our guidance counselors to approach you. Get an outside service such as a therapist and have sessions online or through calls.
Waiting for the school to provide a counselor is harmful and delays the wellness of your child. Another thing you could also do is have bonding time and regularly check upon them.
Mental health problems are deadly, we simply cannot ignore them anymore. With this in mind, regularly check up on your children and ask how they’re feeling, you’ll never know if they’re stressed unless you ask.
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