Plan for children’s mental health vital
THE mental health legacy of lockdown is, as yet of course, unknown, but when we eventually emerge from this challenging period in all our lives, there are genuine concerns of the damaging effect on a nation’s mental health - and particularly the mental health of our children.
This weekend saw the Royal College of Psychiatrists warning that health services could be overwhelmed by a “tsunami” of referrals when coronavirus lockdown measures end.
In addition a new poll found that parents are “deeply worried” about the mental health of their children as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to youth mental health charity Young Minds, issues youngsters are facing include: anxiety and depression, a sense of loss and fear, difficulties coping with a lack of structure and routine, increased isolation and young people missing face-to-face contact with friends.
That’s why the announcement of the Welsh Government’s £3.75m investment in mental health in schools is very much welcome, especially as it focuses on targeting those children aged 11 and under.
Recognising that coronavirus is inevitably causing anxiety for children and young people, the announcement by the Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, and Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, is rightly anticipating increased demand for mental health support among younger people.
By tackling problems early the hope is that it can stop them escalating. Although serious mental health issues are less prevalent among younger children, the
Welsh Government is extending the support available so that children under 11 can also receive help with their emotional wellbeing, if they need it.
Traditional face-to-face counselling is not necessarily appropriate for younger children, who may lack the maturity to explain and understand the issues which concern them. Specialist therapies, such as those based on play and working with the wider family, are much more effective.
While the necessary restrictions currently being placed on young people’s lives due to coronavirus are needed, many parents and carers have rightly expressed concerns about how their children will cope as they “transition back to normal”.
Hopefully this investment in children’s mental health needs will help ease that burden.