While Covid has impacted people of all ages and walks of life, children are likely to be the most afflicted and disregarded. The majority of observations and study has focused on the pandemic’s health impact, mortality, morbidity, financial, and geopolitical implications. During this time, children are trapped within their houses, surrounded by sad and frightening news of illness and death; many have lost their parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, or heard of the loss in the homes of their classmates.
It’s a difficult world to adjust to being confined to a small space, unable to meet peers and friends, unable to participate in sports and physical activities, pursuing education via the Internet on mobile and laptop screens, or sometimes being left out of classes because the facility is unavailable. While everyone is given a chance to speak, they are asked to remain silent and study, and they are expected to be glad that they are not infected.
This puts a youngster under a lot of stress, which can lead to worry, anxiety, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and behavioural disorders. Panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and anxiety and mood disorders have all developed in youngsters who were already vulnerable. It has a tremendous impact on self-esteem and confidence.
Some people have experienced more family strife and domestic abuse than others. The uncertainty around tests, the future, and careers has further perplexed high school students. Addiction to the internet and video games is on the rise, and psychosomatic disorders are common.
Although the problem description is broad, it must be specified in order to take meaningful action. As psychiatrists, we frequently see children being referred for behavioural problems, but parents are hesitant to do so because of the stigma associated with the word psychiatric. Closing one’s eyes, however, does not solve the situation. As adults, it is our responsibility to anticipate problems and take preventative actions.
The first step is to recognise that youngsters are vulnerable. Talking to them about their feelings, allowing them to vent their emotions, and seeking guidance and counselling to handle stress are all steps that can help to avoid harmful consequences. To engage in daily activities productively, we need a proper routine, a mutually helpful social environment, and discipline. Apart from Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid infection, a strategy to ensure balance between physical, emotional, and social components of life must be prioritised.
Interacting regularly with friends and families in small groups, taking time out to play, getting off the screen to appreciate the beauty of nature around us, cooking and eating together, music, dance, arts and crafts are all ways to add creative interest to daily life and de-stress on a regular basis are all ways to add creative interest to daily life and de-stress on a regular basis. Those who have lost close family members or parents require expert help to cope with the trauma of abrupt death.
We can adjust to the post-Covid world with foresight and sensitivity, and maybe make it even better.
Complete Health Diet 