NHS guides parents to deal with anxiety on school return

CHILDREN may suffer pandemic-induced anxiety as they return to school, the NHS’S top doctor for young people’s mental health has warned.

Prof Prathiba Chitsabesan urged parents to talk to children about their worries, and seek help for mental health struggles, as growing numbers go back.

Charities said that for some pupils, returning to school could be a “confusing and overwhelming experience” – especially when once-familiar environments had been altered by social distancing measures.

Prof Chitsabesan, NHS England associate national clinical director for children and young people’s mental health, said: “Children and young people may be experiencing a variety of feelings in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including anxiety, distress and low mood, and it is important to understand that these are normal responses to an abnormal situation.”

She added that while the return to school might cause distress for some pupils heading back to the classroom after months away, it could also upset those who wanted to go back, but remained stuck at home.

Parents are being asked to look out for signs that children are upset, finding it hard to manage their emotions, appearing anxious or distressed or struggling with sleeping or eating.

The new advice from NHS England also warns that younger children may be more likely to wet the bed, while those from all age groups may seem withdrawn, tearful, or report negative thoughts about the future.

Stressing that NHS mental health services remained available for young people, she urged parents to take “simple steps” to help children struggling to deal with loneliness, uncertainty and fear. Health chiefs have urged parents to make time to discuss such feelings, and to attempt to set a routine for the next few weeks, including positive activities children enjoy.

Claire Murdoch, NHS England national mental health director, said: “We know that children and young people’s lives have been disrupted during these uncertain times, and some may be suffering from anxiety as schools reopen.

“The NHS is open for business as usual and has adapted to the coronavirus crisis through offering flexible options including phone and video consultations and online support.”

Nadine Dorries, minister for mental health, said: “As many children start to return to school, it’s vital we continue to give them the support they need to maintain their mental health and wellbeing and deal with any feelings of uncertainty or worry they may be experiencing.”

Tom Madders, campaigns director at Youngminds, said: “If you’re worried about how your child is coping, trust your instinct and reach out for help.”