PARENTING

THE ONGOING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES OF COVID-19

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED COUNSELING?

WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM

2020 and 2021 presented challenges that many of us experienced for the first time in our lifetime. From feelings of fear about the future and supporting our families to the isolation of being stuck at home or even quarantined, the “new normal” was anything but normal. Losing loved ones and not being able to say goodbye or be there in their final hours added an even more significant emotional challenge. The stress and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 era have not escaped our children either. The pandemic has many children struggling to cope mentally and emotionally. “Childrens’ mental health is suffering. Young people have endured so much throughout this pandemic. While much of the attention is often placed on its physical health consequences, we cannot overlook the escalating mental health crisis facing our patients,” says American Association of Pediatrics president Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP.

Although they face the lowest mortality rates from the various strains of this deadly disease, today’s youth still face challenges borne from the virus—they certainly are not immune to that. Our children have had to deal with the stark reality of loss via the death of loved ones. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, from April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, over 140,000 children in the U.S. experienced the death of a parent or grandparent caregiver to COVIDrelated complications. Childhood and teenage years are crucial for social development, educational development, and physical growth. All three of these areas have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus.

Staying home from school and being stranded from friends, even with social media and mobile phones, caused many students to feel isolated, anxious, and depressed. Homeschooling with a parent or tutor created extra tension and stress for both parties. Being “stuck” inside is detrimental to physical and mental health. Finally,

children in food-insecure homes suffered even more dire consequences. Even with most children back in school, many restrictions and issues remain in place while this virus continues to manifest and attack our society. So how can you help your child as the pandemic rages on? First, shore up family time. Have meals together, exercise together, and play together. Watch movies and listen to music together—play board games and cards. Family equals security. Your children need to feel safe.

“The antidote to any of life’s challenges will always be your relationship with your child. This connection comes from a home where feelings are supported and where everyone feels seen and heard,” says Catherine Craig, licensed specialist clinical social worker. “This sense of safety and emotional support is the basis for a child’s belief that they can do hard things. They can face these challenges. This is life.”

Second, communicate regularly with them about what is going on in the world, and keep an optimistic attitude, even dealing with today’s realities. Third, stay in touch with your child’s pediatrician and consider therapy for your child or family members together to get through life’s current challenges. The challenges your child faces right now may have long-term effects. This situation is an opportunity to model the right way to get through a crisis and value the support of having positive, supportive relationships with family and friends. Nurture a sense of optimism, resiliency, and a fighting spirit in your child. A family therapist can help with this message. Finally, stay in touch with your child’s school. The teachers, counselors, and administrators spend a great deal of time with your child and are positive influences.

It’s natural for kids to feel fear, sadness, and isolation at certain times. Still, the prolonged nature of the restrictions this virus causes may be putting your child into an “unsafe” situation. The rise of teenage suicide is something to be aware of—learn the warning signs. If you are new to the concept of therapy, here are a few things to keep in mind as you choose a family counselor. • Confirm the potential counselor’s degree and credentials. • Ask your pediatrician or primary care doctor for a referral. • Make sure the potential provider takes your insurance. • Make sure both you and your child feel comfortable talking to the counselor. • Ask friends and family for referrals if you are comfortable doing so. • You can also check online reviews. If you are the slightest bit concerned that your child is struggling, the most important tip of all is do something. Counseling is a viable option, and there are plenty of resources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Association of Pediatrics, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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