Alok Pandey
Ground Report | New Delhi: Signs a child might be in an unhealthy; The outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of many across the world. It has also brought uncertainty and stillness, which caused a steep rise in stress, especially among children. This adversely affects children’s psychological health, manifesting into hysteria, panic attacks, depression, mood disorders, and other mental illnesses.
What affects children?
“Covid-19 brings uncertainty in their lives, plans are currently on hold and they are more dependent on their parents due to their static routine,” said Dr. D.K Sinha, a pediatrician. He added that Covid-19 is also adversely affecting children’s mental health as they are personally experiencing the death of their relatives. There is growing fear of contracting Coronavirus and consequent death among them.
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Children adapt to the environment very easily. But, loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of depression among them, said the child specialist.
Signs a child might be in an unhealthy
In the present situation, there are many changes noticed among children. They are adopting antisocial behavior, and there has been a rise in hoarding behavior among them.
“Lack of social activity increases the dependency on the internet causing the frustration and dissatisfaction that can lead to aggressive and abusive behavior in children,” said Arunima Singh, a professor of sociology. “Due to prolonged confinement and lack of interaction with society, outbursts of temper, aggression, and conflict between parents and children are common.”
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How to tackle such mental health problems among children?
More than 2.2 billion children in the world, which constitute 28% of the world’s population (according to UNICEF 2019), are all at risk of depression during the lockdown. Closure of school, educational institutes, and activity areas lead to stress, anxiety, and helplessness among children compared to adults.
Arunima Singh emphasised the importance of the parent’s role in handling the mental health crisis among children. (Signs a child might be in an unhealthy)
“Parents need to be responsive to their children. They should keep regular contact with them, assure them that everything will get normal very soon and give proper information about the Pandemic Ms Singh said.
Additionally, the Health Ministry has also suggested strategies such as engaging a child in indoor games, ensuring a child’s social engagement virtually, crafting a learning routine at home, managing child anxiety, giving them clear information, and keeping them in contact with their friends.
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