COVID_19 and child anxiety

By, S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

In the present article I would like to cover a topic which holds high significance. It is Covid_19 and children. Ever since  2020 commenced, children were exposed to many global issues, and no physical access to school was a huge addition to build up anxiety. Counselors have been doing their very best to help families and children steer through this distasteful situation in their best capacity.

A dive into strategies employed by Counselors to help children:

Fair, open and clear communication

Children by nature are curious about the happenings around them. They absorb from their surroundings and try to act accordingly. Plus they also need some one around with whom they can continue to share and exchange information. By keeping a window open for exchange of information with Children and explain them things clearly along with understanding the situation is always helpful. 

It is better to explain a child about existence of virus in the environment, that can cause infection through teaching learning aids, making them understand the sensitivity of the situation, importance of social distancing by self practicing, is the best model. Than compared to shutting them and enforcing  to do something without explanation is harsh and unwarranted. In this closed communication model child might not learn the actuals of COVID_19. Therefore have a clear communication it will help.

Worry Train your child: 

Yes, train your child to not to worry. A person (a child) see a worry as a dragon, so better teach your child to how to tame the dragon? An approach suggested by Jane Garland and Sandra Clark in their book -Taming Worry Dragons: A Manual for Children, Parents and Other Coaches.

Some of the skills suggested by senior child Counselors are:

Schedule, get involved in some creative activities and have a me time/ family time routine.

1) Schedule:

Teach your child to have a 'worry time' to think of all the negative possibilities. After this worry time, they are not suppose to worry rest of the time. 

This is a proven formula and suggested by experienced children counselors. One of the way the worry dragon can be tamed.

2) Involve in creative activities

Make them draw, write, play with colors, or make illustration of their worry dragons. This is again a very constructive activity to help your child open up and express themselves in a better way.

3) A routine

 Have a routine, family time, me time where child can feel and sense harmony. To feel protected and secure. A very warm and comfortable approach against the worry dragon. 

These are some of the strategies which helps in combating worries and anxiety in children.

It helps them to stay calm and composed, informed and grounded when they loose a loved one due to COVID_19.

Excerpt credits

Celine Cluff is a registered clinical counselor practicing in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. She holds a master’s degree in psychoanalytic studies from Middlesex University in London and is currently completing her doctorate in occupational psychology. Her private practice focuses on family therapy, couples therapy and parenting challenges. Contact her at celine.cluff@yahoo.com.

Victoria Kress is a professor at Youngstown State University in Ohio. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, national certified counselor and certified clinical mental health counselor. She has published extensively on many topics related to counselor practice. Contact her at victoriaEkress@gmail.com.

Excerpt on COVID_19

 By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

The havoc created by pandemic is leaving everyone around with anxiety, stress and overwhelming experience due to social distancing and isolation from peers. But one shouldn't forget that these are necessary precautions/requirements to be observed in order to prevent the spread of virus.

One should learn to deal and cope up with stress and anxiety, panic and depression during this period. As by doing so, it will not only help you to recover faster but also help the care takers around you become more resilient.

Quick look into affects of stress:

Experiences like fear, worries, frustration, sleeplessness, change in appetite, desires, interest, feeling of numbness, short temper, sadness, insecure feeling, irritation to small stimuli, losses concentration and reasoning ability.

The patients are also reported to exhibit physical reactions like skin rashes, digestive problems, body pains, headaches. Worsened chronic health and mental health problems.

In addition, it was also noticed that people increased the consumption of alcohol, tobacco etc.

However, it's natural process which cannot be disturbed. Only with time and patience, precautions and medication we can have victory over COVID-19

Let's see some of the healthy ways to deal with stress:

1) First and foremost limit the use of social media. Ofcourse when at home with no socialization it's but obviously that we tend to engage ourselves with social media. But Dear all stop the excessive use of technology.

2) Take good care of yourself. Groom yourself, take care of your body, meditate, excercise, eat balanced food, keep yourself hydrated, take plenty of sleep. Limit or avoid smoking, tobacco and alcohol consumption.

3) Continue your routine medication, get vaccinated (it boosts your immunity) and other screenings as prescribed by family doctor/ physician according to your health condition.

4) Try to reconnect with long lost activities, a hobby, do something which makes you feel happy and merry around.

5) In this time of social distancing stay connected with near and dears through calls, video chat, attend virtual events (Workshop, conference, gathering etc)

6) Help those in need- financial support, physical support etc.

 In conclusion, keep high hopes. We shall overcome. Stay positive and spread positivity.  Stay home, stay safe, stay connected.

COVID-19 is new normal. A culture which has made us realise and embrace many things (positive and negative) which I guess we would not have had experienced in its absence.