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Pandemic and Children's Mental Health: How Our Youngest Are Doing and What You Can Do for Them Now
A year after the first lockdown, it is clear what many have long feared: the Corona pandemic has massive effects on the mental health of children and adolescents. Almost every third child shows abnormalities. This is evidenced, among other things, by a large-scale study from Hamburg. You can learn here how the various restrictions on public and private life due to the Corona measures burden children and adolescents, and what you as parents can do in these times to provide them with support.
As early as April 2020, the German Academy for Child and Adolescent Medicine expressed great concerns: "The measures that have been decided interfere deeply with the lives of children and adolescents. The closure of daycare centers, playgrounds, schools, and sports facilities means the removal of essential conditions for healthy physical, psychological, and social development.
Nationwide study shows dramatic impacts
The consequences of this withdrawal should be shown by the first nationwide representative study on the effects and consequences of the pandemic crisis on the mental health of children and adolescents. The results of the so-called Copsy study (Corona and Psyche) even surprised the study leader: "We expected a deterioration in mental well-being during the crisis. However, the fact that it is so pronounced also surprised us," said Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer.
After the first round of surveys, which took place in May and June 2020, it became clear: 71 percent of the children and adolescents aged seven to 17 considered in the study experienced mental stress as a result of the pandemic. Two-thirds reported a reduced quality of life and lower psychological well-being. That's twice as many children and adolescents as before the start of the pandemic.
Concerns and fears have also increased significantly. For 24 percent, this even led to signs of an anxiety disorder, compared to 15 percent before the pandemic. The psychological and psychosomatic problems are numerous and varied. They range from increased irritability, difficulty falling asleep, stomach and headaches to a significant increase in abnormalities such as hyperactivity, emotional problems, and behavioral problems. Almost every third child now suffers from such abnormalities. Before the pandemic, this was "only" true for every fifth child. Another burden for many is that the family atmosphere is also perceived as significantly worse.
The cracks are getting deeper
Six months after the first round of surveys, there was no improvement. On the contrary: the cracks in the souls of the children and adolescents have deepened even further due to the prolonged strain. This is confirmed by the second round of the Copsy study in December 2020 and January 2021. According to it, the number of children who feel emotionally stressed by the pandemic rose to 80 percent. Almost one in three children still suffers from psychological problems. In addition to a significant increase in worries and fears compared to the first survey, psychosomatic complaints and depressive symptoms have also further intensified. The latter are now also showing in many parents.
Moreover, an important protective factor, which is "essential for mental and physical well-being," according to Ravens-Sieberer, has completely disappeared for many children – sports. Ten times more children than before the pandemic, and twice as many as during the first survey, now no longer engage in any sports at all.
But the crisis does not leave even the youngest unaffected, reports Silvia Schneider, Professor of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the Ruhr University Bochum, in an interview with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Parents of toddlers observe that they are more emotionally unstable. One reason for this: the frequent daycare closures. Because they disrupt the children's usual routines. In part, they have to completely readjust, which means enormous stress. As a result, parents observe that their children are more restless, harder to soothe, and sleep worse. All this makes it clear: Even the smallest are mentally burdened by the pandemic.
As alarming as the experts' findings are, there are simple ways we as parents can accompany our children well through the crisis. The Copsy results also show the enormous influence the family has on the lasting well-being of our children. Those who "feel comfortable and well cared for within their family will also come through the pandemic well," concludes Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer.
To ensure you and your children benefit from these crucial conditions, we have compiled useful tips for you below:
Self-care
The mental well-being of children and adolescents must always be seen in the context of the mental well-being of the parents. If the parents are doing well, the children are doing well and vice versa." Silvia Schneider
So in everyday life, pay special attention to ensuring that your physical and mental needs are met just like those of your children. "What do I need right now?" is a question you can often ask yourself. Self-care also means maintaining a friendly, benevolent attitude toward yourself. Also, allow yourself regular times for conscious relaxation with an activity that personally benefits you.
A good atmosphere in the family
Treat each other lovingly and indulgently at home and allow your children to express their emotions. If they take their stress out on you, stay calm and don't take it personally. Speaking a lot with each other, listening well to the children, and taking their words seriously is very beneficial for the well-being of all family members. Naturally, you are also under stress and might lose your temper. It's not too bad if you sincerely apologize afterward. It will certainly do everyone good not to give the pandemic too much space at home. Instead, consciously turn to other topics. What positive news instills hope and confidence? What is still going well? In the evening, each person should name at least five things they are grateful for that day in the family circle.
Maintaining Social Contacts
Just visiting friends has not been possible for many months now. Being close to others is especially important for our mental resilience. Encourage your children to regularly talk to friends, grandparents, etc., via phone or video chat. For example, you could establish a video conference regulars' table with the group of best friends, which meets twice a week. Regular outdoor meetings with your best friend for a walk are also a good way to stay emotionally close, with enough physical distance.
Close the gaps
Many structures have collapsed, leaving large gaps in daily life and in the souls of children. In the family council, you can think together about how to fill them: What is missing, what would your children like to do instead? How about a symbolic walk to school through the park, for example, during homeschooling? Incorporate these new routines into a daily schedule for the whole family, which your children have, of course, also helped to create.
Out into nature!
Movement in the fresh air is one of the simplest and at the same time most effective ways to strengthen not only the mental but also the physical well-being of our children. Try to spend at least one, preferably two hours a day outside with your family. How about, for example, a little bike ride to the best adventure playground: the forest near you? But even playing ball in the park can be a refreshing short getaway from everyday life.
What to do in an emergency?
Our children are growing up in a time that can be very stressful for their mental health. But the crisis does not leave us unaffected either. If you feel you are reaching your limits, are worried about your children, or simply need advice, help, or a sympathetic ear, we are here for you and look forward to your call at 089 / 80 99 027 00 or your email at info@famplus.de.
Under this link, you will find more valuable tips to promote your child's mental health: https://www.corona-und-du.info/eltern/
For acute crises or in cases of life-threatening situations, you can contact the telephone counseling service of the BZgA - Federal Center for Health Education: 0800-2322783
The telephone counseling service is also available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for young and old alike.
By phone 0800 / 111 0 111 , 0800 / 111 0 222 or 116 123 , as well as by mail and chat at online.telephonecounseling.de
by Nils Strodtkötter
