Ask the expert: I’m so anxious about my children being back At school in the Covid-19 era
QIKNOW you’ll probably think I’m an overanxious mother, but I am absolutely terrified of my two young daughters being back in school.
My husband is completely relaxed about it, but I can’t sleep at night, I’m so worried.
They’re seven and 10 and although I’ve tried to instil into them that they must wear a mask and wash their hands regularly, I’m worried that, when I’m not there, they’ll forget.
If either of them was to become ill, I don’t know what I’d do – I’d never forgive myself for agreeing to send them back.
I wanted to homeschool them for longer, but my husband said I was being ridiculous and that they’d fall behind. Plus, they really didn’t want to know; school was where they wanted to be. I feel sick nearly all the time and I can’t get on with anything – how am I going to get through this?” ACOLUMNIST
and trained counsellor Fiona Caine says: “You’re not alone in feeling this way. There has been a huge increase in people’s anxiety levels because of the coronavirus – so much so it’s been dubbed ‘coronanxiety’. It’s not really surprising, as there is a lot to potentially worry about. I could tell you that your children’s chances of being severely infected are far less than those of adults, but that’s not going to really help you. I could say that schools have protocols in place that will ensure they are doing everything they can to keep everyone safe – but that probably won’t help either. You have reached a point that nothing anyone says is really going to help – in other words, it sounds as if you’re now suffering from anxiety.
“It’s one of the most common mental health problems people experience, and it’s been made even more rampant by the changes in our lives this year.
“The fact you say you cannot sleep, and that you
feel sick all the time, are clear indicators that your anxiety levels are high, as these are common symptoms.
“Whilst we all feel stressed and worried at times, constant anxiety feels very different; it doesn’t go away and can become so intense it stops you from behaving normally. Fortunately, you’ve recognised that you need help – and, thankfully, there is a lot that can be done to help.
“If you can learn to relax by taking up meditation, yoga or something similar, that could really help. Even just finding a quiet space, where you can relax and listen to music, can help.
“Regular exercise is also proven to help with things like anxiety and sleep.
“Do try and discuss it with others too – I suspect you’ll find you’re not alone. If these things don’t help, then do please speak to your GP for advice and support; there are a number of therapies you could try. I’d also encourage you to look at Anxiety UK’S website (anxietyuk.org. uk), where you’ll find a whole section on coronavirus, as well as all manner of suggestions for support.
“Please don’t wait to tackle this problem, as it will be affecting your family as well as you, and I’m sure you don’t want your children to absorb the anxiety too.”