Get Ready for Grits

COVID-19. In areas of high transmission everyone 2 years of age and older should wear properly fitting masks indoors in public places regardless of vaccination status.

Because social isolation can lead to depression, caregivers should monitor for signs of depression such as lack of desire for normal activities, withdrawing from social situations, irritability, changes in eating or sleep patterns, and low attention span. • The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine website includes many resources for parents and teens. www.adolescenthealth.org/Resources/ Clinical-Care-Resources/Mental-Health/MentalHealth-Resources-For-Parents-of-Adolescents.aspx. • In Beaufort County, the Hands on Health South Carolina website links several mental health and advocacy services for all ages. www.handsonhealthsc.org/golocal. • If parents suspect an eating disorder, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health website includes links to resources and referral sites. www. state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/resources.htm. • Some signs to monitor include changes in eating patterns, skipping meals, frequent dieting, and extreme concern with body shape and size to name a few. The National Eating Disorders organization offers a helpline for resources as well. www. nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-andsymptoms.

ENCOURAGE ACTIVITY

For children especially, physical activity plays a fundamental role in psychological health and can be helpful improving other health issues associated with COVID-19.

One tip is to encourage activities where adequate social distancing can be maintained such as walking, running, or other individual sports.

Increased use of social media by children can expose them to cyberbullying, depression, anxiety. The American Academy of Pediatrics indicates adolescents and teens who spend too much time on social media may exhibit changes to their health.

A tip is to create a social media plan and clearly indicate

what is appropriate use, posting, and influences of the use.

COVID-19 has impacted so many health issues in addition to the obvious respiratory conditions. Recognition of the impact on mental health and resources for parents is key to ensuring a health balance for health and wellness.

Always seek advice from your health care provider if you are concerned with depression, eating disorders, anxiety, or any other mental health issues that may impact you and your children’s health.

Elizabeth Snyder, DNP, FNP-BC is a Family Nurse Practitioner in Hilton Head, a clinical instructor with the Medical University of South Carolina, and a board member with Mental Health America Beaufort Jasper/ Island House.

Dr. Joy Lauerer is a MUSC college of nursing faculty and a nationally recognized child and adolescent psychiatric advance practice nurse. Joy specializes in the treatment of ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders in children. She practices in a telehealth-school-based mental health clinic in Charleston.