During this epidemic of corona virus, the pressure on everyone's mind is increasing. Like everyone else, children and adolescents are under stress. Their schools and colleges are closed, there is uncertainty about studies and exams, there is no meeting with classmates, there is no opportunity to go out and play sports. They also have the fear of being infected with the coronavirus and the fear of death. Online classes and new rules can also be difficult to adapt to. The most common mental symptoms in children and adolescents at this time are-
1. Behavior problems
Children's sleep routines
may change. The habit of staying up all night and sleeping all day can develop.
This sleep problem can change the child's emotions and behavior. Sudden
irritability or irritable mood can occur in a child. At this time distance may
be created with close people (family members). In most cases, addiction to the
Internet or electronic gadgets can increase. In some cases, drug addiction is
also seen.
The youngest children
want to hold on to their parents more. Someone or herself wraps up. Someone
cries a lot, keeps saying the same thing all the time. Someone starts urinating
in or out of bed. Problems such as palpitations in the chest, feeling of
shortness of breath in spite of the fact that the lungs are all right,
sweating, cold hands and feet, lack of energy in the body, etc. can also occur.
2. Problems controlling
emotions
The expression of emotion
can be too much, again some people may have less emotion. Someone cries more
and more, gets upset. Nothing encourages.
3. Problems with thinking
and attention
Can't concentrate on
anything: Can't concentrate on anything. Even in the matter of choice. Ordinary
things are also forgotten. Can't remember everyday things. Children are more affected
to severe stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, etc.
Like adults, children
need mental care. At this time, everything can be done to take care of the
minds of children and adolescents.
Quality time: Parents
will give quality time to children at this time. Give each child time
separately. Talk to them, play with them, try to understand their feelings. The
children will also spend time with family members at this time. Don't be alone.
Parents should not be upset about the child. Try to answer children's
questions. Don't lie to them. You can take part in carom, ludu or any other
domestic sport with them by following the hygiene rules. If the child has a
mental health problem, do not delay to seek expert advice.
Not instability: Parents
do not create instability. Alas, I can't be disappointed that my child is
falling behind. Remember, there is an overdose going on now. The biggest task
is to keep yourself alive at this time.
Routine should be kept
right: especially sleep routine. You have to sleep at night and stay active
during the day. Bathing and eating should be done on time. You should stop
watching mobile phone, laptop or TV at least two hours before going to bed.
Can't listen to rumors:
You can't believe everything you see on social media. Only information obtained
from reliable sources should be accepted.
Participate in daily
activities: Study, take care of yourself, read books, watch movies or maintain
your personal activities. Practicing religion according to one's own beliefs will
also help reduce stress.
Attitudes need to change:
Staying at home cannot be considered captivity. No one is under house arrest.
The outside world is a prisoner. Everyone is free at home. Virus free. Free
from infection.
Take part in household
chores: Together with all family members, take part in minor household chores,
such as helping with cooking, cleaning the house, etc.
Being socially connected:
Not meeting friends and classmates at this time. But must be socially connected
to them. But you should not be addicted to the internet. You have to use the
internet logically.
Children will play a
leading role in adapting to the new post-Corona lifestyle. So from now on
children have to try to adopt a new lifestyle. In this difficult time of the
world, children need to learn to give more importance to education, health and
science by practicing more human qualities.
Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed:
Mental Health Specialist; Associate Professor, Child Adolescent and Family
Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka
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