Kids Mental Health Challenges During COVID-19

How is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting kids?

A lot of things have changed for families since COVID-19. Depending on where you are located, your city may still be under strict lockdown. Many parents have been forced to be both full-time parents and teachers.

Previous research has indicated that children who experience pandemics are hit hardest with socio-emotional consequences. With the current pandemic, researchers in Hubei (region where pandemic originated) found that approximately 20% of children were experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms (Xie, Xue, & Zhou, 2020).

Here are some ways the current pandemic has affected kids and their mental health:

Emotional:

• Increased anxiety and stress

• Fears of getting sick

• Feeling down

Social:

• Lack of extracurricular activities

• Reduced social interaction

• More time around immediate family

Academic:

• Shifting to virtual learning

• Not receiving as many services

It’s important to monitor how children are doing emotionally during the current pandemic. If you have concerns that your child may be experiencing greater anxiety or depressive symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional guidance from a therapist or doctor.