Children’s Mental Health Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic (Corona Virus Disease 2019) brought to the world several indirect problems, in addition to those that the disease itself brings. There are economic problems, new ways of relating socially, alternative ways of working, emotional changes, aggravation of pre-existing diseases and under-diagnosis of new diseases. These last three are closely related to the way people have been dealing with the current world scenario.
How we adults deal with the fear and concerns related to the disease caused by the new coronavirus can psychologically and physically affect the health of our little ones.
All children with or without chronic illnesses may have different reactions to the change in routine caused by the pandemic, such as:
- Changes in sleep and appetite;
- Irritability;
- Fear;
- Loneliness;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Loss of sphincter control.
These reactions are considered normal, if transient, in response to an abnormal scenario in which we are now living. However, in the long term, these reactions can lead to mental and physical disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, developmental delay and growth retardation.
At home, parents are advised to talk to their children, in a way that is understandable for each age group, about the current scenario. Guide your children in quarantine to read more books, play games and encourage communication. It is important to create a routine between educational and leisure activities. Children must understand that they are not on vacation, but that the timing is unusual. If possible, home office parents shift schedules between work, household chores and child care so that they are not totally unsupervised. This way, the parents can help the children to decrease depression and anxiety.
At times when this is not possible, age-appropriate films and anime can be offered, but avoid exaggerated exposure to the screens. Avoid excessive news, which has content aimed at adults, as this period can cause fear and anxiety in children. Take this moment to emphasize hygiene care. Use some time, it can be during one of the meals, to plan what you will do for the next day, so that your children can suggest activities, stimulating their creativity and self-confidence.
You can use technology; make video calls with grandparents, other family members and friends so that the child knows that, despite not seeing them physically, they are fine. This will give your child peace of mind.
When the child already has syndromes, malformations or neurological diseases, the symptoms mentioned above can become more intense.
Children with disabilities may also have more difficulty in maintaining social isolation, difficulty in washing their hands, difficulty in getting around; in addition to having possible health conditions that culminate in low immunity and an increase in the spread of other diseases.
In this context, the parents’ question arises: should I take my child to the doctor?
It is known that the loss of medical follow-up can impair treatment and delay the diagnosis of new diseases. Non-urgent cases that do not pose a risk to the patient can be postponed. On the other hand, most people with heart disease and cancer, for example, should not discontinue treatment. The treatment of other pathologies cannot be neglected because of the current situation in which we live.
When in doubt about proceeding with the treatment, contact your doctor! Nowadays, after authorization from the Federal Council of Medicine, professionals are authorized to carry out consultations via telemedicine, a good alternative for most cases and without unnecessary exposure. When the consultation must be carried out in person, precautions such as the use of masks, adequate hygiene measures and social distance are of paramount importance.
And don’t forget: physical and mental health goes hand in hand!
Care to provide good child mental health during COVID-19 pandemic
Decrease the frequency of technology in the routine
Different studies have shown that excessive time connected to electronic devices impairs sleep, alters mood and contributes to a sedentary lifestyle in children. Arrange specific times with your child and make sure your child replaces cell phones and television with manual activities.
Establish a routine
Did you know that children need routine? Having a set schedule allows them to better understand how the world works and maintain a rhythm throughout the day. Schedule the right time to wake up, eat, shower and sleep.
Explain to your little one the importance of sleep
Sleep is essential for maintaining mental health in childhood. During sleep, the brain materializes the memories of the day and regulates how the body works. If you can add a moment of reading before the child feels sleepy, so much the better! The habit of reading strengthens the affective bond, helps to deal with emotions and contributes to reasoning, language learning, and attention and memory stimulation.
Children need special care to grow up healthy. Do everything possible so that they are aware of the importance of a good quality of life, physical activities and be sure to learn about the subject of child mental health.