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After an all-too-short summer respite, the winning trifecta of the highly contagious delta variant, low vaccination rates, and large unmasked gatherings have brought us back to a place we know all too well: an increase in the number of COVID- 19 cases refilling our intensive care units. This time, however, children are falling ill in unprecedented numbers. Now, just as doctors, hospitals and communities are reeling from the effects of the obvious pandemic, they threaten to be overwhelmed by a second calmer threat of childhood anxiety and depression. With the right care and intervention, however, parents can protect their children and get them the help they need.
This “second” pandemic started slowly, when children and families were socially estranged last year. If worries about COVID turned it on, then it caught fire as kids lost the very tampons that help guard against mental illness, like athletics, parties, graduation and many forms. connecting with extended family and friends. Families have not only struggled with the complexities of online learning – they have struggled to get to work, care for their children, and plan for a now uncertain future. Anxiety rates among children and adolescents have skyrocketed, as emergency room visits for pediatric mental health issues have increased by more than 70%.
Even more worrying are the suicide rates, which have increased among young people. Mental health professionals say they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients in the system, where many do not even have access to mental support and inequalities in care are the rule. Paediatricians are now seeing more children with mental health problems than ever before; The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published a policy encouraging physicians to screen for mental health issues at every visit.
The good news is that parents can be the first line of defense between children and mental health issues, even in these times of unprecedented change.
The first step is to identify and pay attention to potential signs. Being more attentive and talking to your children can go a long way. Do they seem down? Are they less interested in their favorite activities? Are they sleeping or eating less or more? Do they complain of headaches or stomach aches? These changes can all be signs that your child or teen is having trouble adjusting. Don’t assume you know how they are feeling; question. You might be surprised at what you hear.
Families can also learn from the business world and focus on managing expectations. Remind your child that this year is likely to be full of changes. We are already seeing large-scale quarantines when children return to school, and the delta variant is likely to cause major disruption almost anywhere as public health officials fight its spread. It’s hard to be on a seemingly non-stop roller coaster. But understanding that a change is to be expected can ease anxiety.
Another tactic for promoting resilience in children is to focus on the positive aspects. The friends they see, the teachers they meet, the events that happen are so important, while also acknowledging their feelings of loss and frustration when things don’t go as planned. While we all need to adjust some of the traditions dear to our families, we can also take this opportunity to create new habits that could become traditions long after the pandemic is over.
Children, like adults, want a sense of control. Like us, they sometimes find it obsessed with bad news, getting caught up in the doom-scrolling cycle, or watching the news 24/7. Help them put their devices down. and limit their exposure to crisis coverage. In fact, constant exposure to bad news can even make adults anxious. Make sure they understand what they need to do to be safe, but make sure they take the time to just be kids.
Remember that our bodies and minds are not separate but are in constant communication. Habits that contribute to our physical health – getting plenty of exercise, getting enough sleep at night, eating healthy foods – also help fight depression and anxiety. Help your children get out as much as possible; exposure to nature alone can improve mental health!
And one of the often overlooked aspects of preventing anxiety, depression, and mental health problems is self-care. Caregivers, families and parents have been overwhelmed by the choppy waters of the pandemic and the turmoil of an ever-changing environment; be sure to set aside time for your own health, which includes not only exercise and sleep, but the importance of social connections as well. Take the opportunity to go for that jog or walk, or that beer garden with a few friends. When caregivers feel calm, so do children.
As much as parents want to fix everything for our children, it is essential that we recognize when we need more help. Be prepared to contact your child’s doctor if you are concerned. The AAP has a wide variety of resources to help parents with mental health issues, and they can help you if you are seeking therapy as well. Don’t be afraid to ask if your child has thought about suicide. If the answer is “yes”, you can start by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
If we’re lucky, everyone will come together to get vaccinated, mask themselves, physically distance themselves and beat this wave of COVID well before next summer. In the meantime, however, we can act now to help our children overcome the mental health pandemic, help our families build resilience, and enjoy just being children.
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