Children’s Mental Health Week 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the daily lives and routines of children and young people. With schools closed and lots of uncertainty about the future, children and young people's mental health has never been more important.
“Everyone is trying to find ways to adapt to the pandemic. Many children and young people will be experiencing a range of feelings including anxiety, sadness and loneliness which are understandable responses to such an uncertain and stressful situation”, said Dr Phil Ferreira Lay, Consultant Child Psychiatrist and Clinical Director at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
“It’s important that we encourage children and young people to explore these difficult feelings to prevent them from worsening and becoming more of an issue.
“Sometimes it can be helpful if parents and guardians are open about how this is affecting us all. If children feel that others are also struggling with these things and that everyone is trying to muddle their way through together, they may feel less alone and more comfortable coming forward with their own concerns”.
As well as talking to children and young people about their feelings, there are a number of practical steps we can take to help offset some of the stress and prevent worries from worsening:
Get creative
Expression through art, music, writing and poetry, dance and drama, photography and film, and doing activities that make you feel good are also excellent ways for children and parents alike to process some of the difficult feelings they may be experiencing at the moment.
Stay connected
One of the toughest things about lockdown for many of us is not being able to see friends or family. This can take a toll on our mental health, so it’s important that we try to stay connected even if we can’t physically see people. Make use of technology such as video calls, messaging and social media to stay in touch with people.
Create a routine
With schools closed, the daily routines of children and young people have changed dramatically. Structure can be really helpful for our mental health in uncertain times so introducing a new routine can help those who are struggling with the change. Introducing a routine may also improve sleep quality, which is important for maintain good mental health.
For more tips, self-help resources and signposting for further support visit the Healthy Surrey Website: www.healthysurrey.org.uk/children-and-families/childrens-mental-health-and-wellbeing
Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week takes place 1 – 7 February. It aims to shine a spotlight on children’s mental health and explore ways to improve it. This year’s theme is ‘express yourself’. Find out more at: www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk.