No matter their age, this may be a difficult time for children and young people, says
WITH the closure of extra-curricular clubs, social distancing measures in place and changes to everyday routines, children can feel more anxious than usual.
It’s a worrying time for everyone, and while some children may react to anxieties around coronavirus immediately, others may not show difficulties until later on.
Child psychology experts reveal some of the key signs which may mean a child is struggling with Covid-related anxiety, and how parents can support and take care of their family’s mental health.
WHAT ARE THE KEY SIGNS A CHILD MIGHT HAVE ANXIETY?
“ANXIETY in children can present itself in lots of different ways, but a key behaviour that parents usually note is a change in mood, where their child may appear less cheerful and more pre-occupied,” says Dr Hamilton McBrien, child and adolescent psychiatrist and the medical director at Priory Roehampton.
“Their worries can impact on their experience of fun and sense of humour, and sleep can be disturbed too, especially with difficulty getting off to sleep as a result of worried pre-occupation.”
Alongside this, Dr McBrien says you should keep a watchful eye on mealtimes, as appetite can be reduced when a child is feeling anxious, and they may express feelings of an upset stomach with no apparent cause.
Children might tell you directly about their worries, but Dr McBrien says that it’s good to note they often may not, as they may be concerned that talking about their worries will only serve to make them feel worse.
“They may also be worried about upsetting you or others by mentioning the topic that is a worry to them,” adds Dr McBrien.
“They might show avoidant behaviour too, particularly about going out and mixing with others, and equally they may try to prevent you from going out, having serious
LIZ CONNOR