Children's Mental Health During COVID-19: Current State and Impact

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Children’s Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19: How Things Stand and the Aftermath
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Mohammad Hilal Atthariq Ramadhan, Ayu Kartika Putri, Diana Melinda, Umrohtul Habibah, Utami Nurul Fajriyah, Syarifah Aini, Bintang Arroyantri Prananjaya, Diyaz Syauqi Ikhsan


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Children’s Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19: How Things Stand and the Aftermath

Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.5.15

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has prompted considerable changes in daily life, leading to significant ramifications for mental health, particularly among children. The measures taken globally, such as quarantine, social distancing, and school closures, can influence children adversely, potentially resulting in various mental health challenges. Issues such as grief, adjustment disorders, and acute stress disorders have surfaced during this unprecedented time, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring the mental health status of children and providing guidance to parents and caregivers.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Children's Mental Health

Research indicates that children are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during the pandemic. Studies suggest that the disruptions in routine caused by quarantines and lockdowns may exacerbate feelings of anxiety, distraction, and irritability. Children may struggle with adjustment disorders and PTSD, particularly those who have experienced trauma or loss related to the pandemic. Furthermore, the lack of access to school-based supports and health interventions during school closures may compound these challenges, leading to long-term consequences for the emotional and psychological well-being of children if not addressed timely.

Conclusion

In light of these findings, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to maintain open lines of communication with children, fostering an environment where emotional expression is encouraged. Institutions including the WHO and UNICEF provide essential resources and guidelines for assisting families in coping with these mental health challenges. The imperative now lies in creating resilient communities that can support children's mental health, particularly as the effects of COVID-19 continue to evolve. As schools and communities reopen, it will be vital to prioritize the mental well-being of children to mitigate the potential long-lasting impacts of this pandemic.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect children's mental health?

The pandemic leads to stress and anxiety in children due to disruptions in routine, social distancing, and school closures, potentially resulting in issues like adjustment disorder, grief, and PTSD if not managed appropriately.

What strategies can parents use to support their children?

Parents should maintain open communication, spend quality time, and create a structured daily routine. Listening to children's feelings about the pandemic helps in reducing anxiety and fear.

What specific mental health issues do children face during a pandemic?

Children may experience grief, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Signs include irritability, clinginess, and trouble concentrating, which should be addressed promptly to safeguard their emotional well-being.

Why are school closures a concern for children's mental health?

School closures disrupt not only education but also access to mental health resources. This lack of support can exacerbate existing mental health issues and create new challenges for children during and after the pandemic.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Children's Mental Health During COVID-19: Current State and Impact”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Mental health:
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, especially in children whose cognitive and emotional capabilities are still developing. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified mental health challenges among children due to stressors like isolation, uncertainty, and disruption of daily routines. Addressing mental health proactively can mitigate long-term effects.

2) Study (Studying):
Studying refers to the academic activities children engage in, which have been affected by school closures due to the pandemic. Continuing educational pursuits through online platforms is crucial for maintaining cognitive growth and providing structure while also addressing the mental health challenges faced.

3) Disease:
Disease, in the context of this text, refers predominantly to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic has highlighted the relationship between physical health and mental health, showing how infectious diseases can create profound challenges for mental well-being, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children.

4) Cina:
China is relevant as the initial epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, where the first cases were reported. Studying the outbreak's effects in China informs global understanding of pandemic impacts, particularly on children. It serves as a case study for examining mental health responses during significant health crises.

5) Fear:
Fear is a natural emotional response heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children's fear can manifest as anxiety over personal safety, health of family, and uncertainty about the future. Such emotional responses must be addressed through effective communication from caregivers to mitigate mental health issues.

6) Post:
Post refers to the period following the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluating children's mental health in this context is essential to identifying long-term psychological effects, including potential developmental challenges, emotional disorders, and adjustments needed for their reintegration into regular routines and social settings.

7) Psychosis:
Psychosis is a severe mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, which can be exacerbated by stressful experiences like a pandemic. Children facing extreme stress during this time may show signs of psychosis, highlighting the need for early intervention and comprehensive support for mental health.

8) Family:
Family plays a pivotal role in children's mental health, providing emotional support and stability during crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed families under immense strain, affecting interactions and support systems. Understanding family dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to enhance children's emotional resilience.

9) Grief:
Grief refers to the emotional suffering following loss, which can be intensified during a pandemic due to losing loved ones or the loss of normalcy. Children may not fully understand their feelings of grief, making it important for parents to facilitate discussions to help them cope.

10) Viru:
Viru likely refers to 'virus,' emphasizing the role of the COVID-19 virus in the current global health crisis. It is essential to understand virology to enhance public health responses and manage the mental health effects on populations, notably vulnerable groups like children.

11) Transmission:
Transmission refers to how the COVID-19 virus spreads, primarily from person to person through respiratory droplets. Understanding transmission is vital not only for combating the disease but also for addressing the fear, anxiety, and behavioral changes observed in children during the pandemic.

12) Life:
Life encompasses the quality of existence, particularly how children navigate their daily experiences during the pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak has profoundly disrupted normal life, highlighting the importance of understanding stress and mental health implications while adapting to new routines and limitations.

13) Discussion:
Discussion is critical for promoting understanding and effective communication during the pandemic. Engaging children in discussions about their fears and experiences can foster emotional expression and alleviation of anxiety. Parents and caregivers must facilitate open dialogues about feelings surrounding COVID-19.

14) Education:
Education is a fundamental aspect of childhood development that has been significantly impacted by school closures during the pandemic. Loss of traditional educational settings can affect not only learning but also children's social interactions, mental health, and access to psychological support systems.

15) Suffering:
Suffering refers to the emotional pain children experience during distressing situations like a pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak has intensified suffering related to anxiety, fear, and grief, mandating that parents and caregivers proactively address and support children's mental health.

16) Epidemic:
An epidemic highlights the widespread occurrence of health-related issues within a specific community or region. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global epidemic causing immense psychological and physical health consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups like children who face unique mental health challenges.

17) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a common mental health challenge exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting children's emotional stability. Understanding the sources and manifestations of anxiety in children is crucial for developing effective coping strategies, interventions, and supportive environments to help them navigate this uncertainty.

18) Mud:
Mood refers to the emotional state that can be significantly altered during stressful times like a pandemic. Children may experience mood disorders due to the isolation and disruption of their routines, prompting the need for observation and interaction from caregivers to support emotional well-being.

19) Announcement:
Announcement pertains to public communications regarding the pandemic, such as health guidelines and measures taken to address the outbreak. These announcements can impact children's perception of safety and health, triggering emotional responses and necessitating adult support to interpret and process the information.

20) Surrounding:
Surrounding refers to the immediate environment in which children live during the pandemic. Factors like family dynamics, community support, and access to mental health resources play an important role in influencing children's psychological resilience and ability to cope with stressors like quarantine.

21) Depression:
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can arise as a consequence of the prolonged stress and isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing and addressing depressive symptoms, especially in children, is critical for preventing further deterioration of mental health and promoting recovery.

22) Knowledge:
Knowledge signifies the understanding and awareness of mental health issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Educating parents, caregivers, and children about potential psychological effects is essential in facilitating timely support and interventions to aid mental well-being amidst ongoing challenges.

23) Listening:
Listening is a vital component of communication that fosters emotional safety and validation for children during the pandemic. Actively listening to children's concerns and feelings enables caregivers to address their emotional needs effectively, leading to improved mental health outcomes in stressful situations.

24) Singing:
Singing is a creative activity that can promote emotional expression and bonding among family members. Engaging in singing or music-related activities during the pandemic can help alleviate stress and anxiety for children, fostering a positive environment and enhancing mental well-being.

25) Dealing:
Dealing involves coping with the challenges presented by the pandemic. It requires adaptive strategies for managing stress, fear, and anxiety while navigating unprecedented circumstances. Supporting children in developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for their resilience and long-term mental health.

26) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worry encapsulates the feelings of anxiety and concern that children may experience due to the changes surrounding the pandemic. Recognizing these feelings and addressing them through open conversations can contribute significantly to children's emotional well-being and development.

27) Company:
Company refers to the presence of family or peers that can provide emotional support during challenging times like a pandemic. The social interactions facilitated by company are crucial for children’s mental health, offering comfort, reassurance, and a sense of belonging amidst isolation.

28) Reason:
Reason signifies the understanding behind children's emotions and behaviors during the pandemic. Helping children identify their feelings and the reasons for them can empower them to articulate their needs, fostering better communication and emotional health in uncertain times.

29) Animal:
Animal could refer to the zoonotic origins of the COVID-19 virus, emphasizing the complex relationship between humans and animals in disease transmission. Understanding how diseases can transfer from animals to humans is vital for public health awareness and mitigating future outbreaks.

30) Campu:
Campus refers to educational institutions where students typically engage in learning and socialization, which have been disrupted due to the pandemic. Exploring the mental health challenges faced by children who are missing these experiences emphasizes the need for adapted educational strategies and support.

31) Roman (Roma):
Roman likely pertains to a reference style or system, possibly for organizing academic or scholarly content. Understanding various citing methods enriches discussions and presentations that explore the complexities of mental health during significant events such as pandemics.

32) Water:
Water may serve as a basic necessity whose access can be compromised during crises. During the pandemic, ensuring reliable access to resources like water is essential for maintaining both physical health and mental well-being, particularly among families in stressful situations.

33) Death:
Death symbolizes profound loss, particularly pertinent during the pandemic as families navigate grief from lost loved ones. Addressing reactions to loss in children is vital for supporting their mental health, helping them process feelings and experiences associated with bereavement.

34) Anger (Angry):
Anger is a common emotional response that can emerge during stressful times like the pandemic. Understanding the triggers of children's anger, such as frustration from isolation, is vital for parents to provide appropriate support and foster healthy emotional expression.

35) Food:
Food represents a fundamental resource that can become scarce during crises, amplifying stress and anxiety over health and survival. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of access to nutritious food for maintaining both physical and mental health, especially for children's growth and development.

36) Sign:
Sign may refer to indicators of mental health distress in children. Being attentive to signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes requires proactive engagement from caregivers to ensure children's mental well-being during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

37) Line:
Line might signify the boundaries of communication or the frameworks surrounding health protocols, both of which have shifted due to the pandemic. Establishing clear lines of communication can facilitate emotional openness and understanding among children and their caregivers.

38) Hand:
Hand can symbolize the importance of support, care, and compassionate action in nurturing children's mental health. Practicing kindness and understanding during times of stress is crucial for helping children navigate their feelings and challenges throughout the pandemic.

39) Shun (Sun):
Shun relates to the avoidance of situations, experiences, or interactions that may cause distress. Engaging children in constructive ways to confront their fears and emotions is vital for reducing tendencies to withdraw, ultimately fostering healthier coping strategies during the pandemic.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Children's Mental Health During COVID-19: Current State and Impact’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

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