The rise in mental health disorders is one of the biggest outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic with more and more people developing various issues such as depression and anxiety. These effects have affected all age groups across the globe including children.
Research from the early days of the pandemic has focused more on younger and older adults. This is because they are directly affected by the impact of the pandemic.
Due to the economic lockdowns, many people have lost their jobs and unemployment has become more common with many struggling to make their ends meet.
In addition, social distancing, isolation, and other measures required to minimize virus transmission have kept people away from their friends and families. With the lack of emotional support and socializing, the risk of developing mental disorders increases even further.
Since employment and living alone are not problems experienced by children, there are fewer studies on the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of kids. However, new reports have started highlighting the potential impact on children.
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For instance, a new Penn State Health news release shows that the rates of suicide have increased significantly in children since the start of the pandemic.
Even though children are not directly affected by the aforementioned problems, it should be noted that the behaviors of adults can also be passed down to kids. Therefore, one of the reasons for the increase in suicide ideation and attempts may be stressful parents or family.
The stress, whether it is about financial issues or arguments at home can impact the child watching, thereby leading him to also consistently think about the same issues.
In such a situation, kids may also take extreme steps and try to harm themselves in order to decrease the financial burden on the family, which is why pediatric psychiatrists suggest staying cautious in front of children.
Even familial burnout and sudden changes in behaviors can affect every person’s mental health at home including the kids. This is why it is important to stick together and try to overcome any problems together.
To avoid mental health disorders in children in the first place, it is better for the older members of the family to talk out the problems or look for help.
If concerned about changes in a child’s behavior, it is better to also rely on professional help in order to take treatment or steps for improvement in accordance with the child’s mental condition.
Although it is difficult to deal with the different effects of the coronavirus crisis, there are a number of ways to prevent mental health issues to an extent. For example, planning small family activities can help in staying together and overcoming any familial burnout.
Simple tasks ranging from cooking together to set aside time for playing games can make a big difference. Outdoor activities such as playing a sport or running are also good as long as they are not done in crowded public spaces.
