Corona and the decline in children’s mental health

Despite the efforts of health service providers in most countries to preserve the mental health of citizens amid the epidemic of< Covid 19 >> and its repercussions, statistics indicate an increase in the number of children who suffer from violent psychological problems as parents are forced to take them to emergency rooms in hospitals, and that in the age group of pupils from under 18.
These findings appeared in the recently released report by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which included 47 states; This is equivalent to three-quarters of emergency rooms in the United States as a whole, and covers the period from early January to mid-October, when the epidemic spreads in America.
Psychiatric cases
The researchers noted that the results were expected, of course, but the incidence of cases exceeded expectations. Despite the constant presence of psychological support through specialists on the Internet, the atmosphere of closure, precautionary measures and social distancing have strongly affected the psyche of children. And in the absence of a real presence with the doctor or the psychotherapist, it only got worse.
Researchers believe it’s harder for kids to have an imbalance in their normal day, starting school, meeting friends, going to the club, exercising, competing with peers, and lacking in strength. visit relatives. Despite the existence of the study via the Internet, as well as the programs allowing for live dating, they were not sufficient to avoid the depression and anxiety resulting from the increase in the number of patients and injuries of loved ones.
The researchers explained that the deterioration in the psychological state of children in developed societies was greater than in third world countries, and that perhaps the reason was the drastic change in the form of life in these societies, as well as the nature of the difference in social life in these countries compared to other societies, which meant that schools and clubs were an outlet. The only one for children to meet friends and play games, unlike the third world in which it is possible to play with peers in the neighborhood on the street, close to the distances between people in the same neighborhood, and to visit constantly between family members without prior dates, especially since complete closure has not taken place in most of these countries. Researchers tracked psychological illnesses that are expected to increase during times of crisis, such as anxiety, tension, “post-traumatic stress” and various fears.
The researchers, some of whom worked in the psychological support program for Corona disease, said the period from March to October saw a 24% increase in the percentage of hospital emergency room visits due to psychological cases in the age group of 5 to 11 years. Years. This percentage rose to 31 percent in the 12-17 age group, compared to last year.
It should be noted that these visits declined with the start of the shutdown in the United States and the home study from mid-March to mid-April last year, but they rapidly increased dramatically afterwards. Experts believe the real numbers of children with deteriorating mental status are higher than those in emergencies, as many critical cases are treated outside of hospitals. It is striking to note a decrease in the number of cases going to the emergency room in general for organic reasons, in addition to psychological reasons, during the same period of the study. Perhaps the reason is that most citizens avoid going to the hospital except in cases of extreme necessity.
Isolation and deprivation
These results clearly indicate the importance of continuous surveillance, assessment and monitoring of children’s mental health during major crises. Where they may suffer a sudden setback due to the pressures that result from the modification of the daily way of life in a very severe way (uprooting), so that it leaves an equal effect to civil wars or natural disasters, such as earthquakes. land and volcanoes, which necessarily leads to a loss of sense of security, and an intense fear of illness or death. ; Whether for the child or the death of a parent or close family member. These feelings are particularly amplified by isolation and gambling deprivation. For playing is not only a pleasure, but a means of communication with others, allowing them to understand each other, and their lack of this makes them powerless to s. ‘express, which leads to their anxiety.
Experts have pointed out that personal differences between children play a role in the incidence of psychological crises. While there are children who can adjust to the reality of the pandemic disease and take advantage of the great time available at home to learn via the Internet, others suffer from anxiety and psychological distress, and of course, the issue is exacerbated by children with mental illnesses in the first place. Most; Most emergency room visitors fell into this category.
The study advised parents to be aware that the impact of the issue on children differs from that of adults and therefore should provide a psychologically supportive environment for these children even if they are feeling anxious, and they should also be aware of signs indicating risk factors that necessitate transporting the child to hospital, such as attempted self-harm. Likewise, children with mental illnesses should continue treatment sessions whenever possible via the internet, especially with the increased likelihood of a complete lockdown with the emergence of a new wave of the epidemic.
– Consultant pediatrician