Depression and anxiety in children and adolescents may present in very different ways from adults. Increased irritability, arguments, aggressive behaviour, fighting with siblings may be some of the signs. They may have crying spells, self-harming behaviours, risk-taking like trying substances like cannabis or others in order to deal with mood changes. Some may also present with gaming addiction and social media addiction. They may also talk about sadness, thoughts about death and dying on social media. All these need to be addressed early.
Among the 15 to 24-year-olds in India, one out of seven often feel depressed or have little interest in doing things, according to a new report by UNICEF which warned that Covid-19 pandemic can impact the mental health and well-being of children and youth for years
Only 41% of 15 to 24-year-olds in India said that it is good to get support for mental health problems, compared to an average of 83% for 21 countries, the State of the World’s Children 2021 report stated.
The pandemic has had an impact on children because children have been unable to go out, play with their friends, interact with their teachers and have instead been incarcerated in their houses.
Some children and young people will have relatives or friends who have died during the pandemic, due to coronavirus or other illnesses. Even more will be aware of a relative or friend being seriously unwell or hospitalised. Some may have experienced long-term isolation from important figures in their life such as grandparents.
Depression and anxiety in children and adolescents may present in very different ways from adults.Increased irritability, arguments, aggressive behaviour, fighting with siblings may be some of the suspicious signs. They may have crying spells, self-harming behaviours, and risk-taking like trying substances like cannabis or others in order to deal with mood changes. Some may also present with gaming addiction and social media addiction. They may also talk about sadness, thoughts about death and dying on social media. All these need to be addressed early.
What can parents do:
1. Start talking: Educate about illness and talk about their worries
2. Sleep routine: Encourage children to follow a good sleep routine
3. Coping strategies: Coping strategies are what you use when feeling stressed, such as speaking with friends or family, doing regular exercise, or using breathing techniques. If you feel comfortable, you could share your own worries and feelings about the current situation and coping strategies you are using to manage these feelings.
4. Don’t dismiss concerning behaviour
5. Always be available for the child when they need to speak about anything.
If the above-mentioned signs are seen in them it may be helpful to involve a professional
The writer is a Consultant Psychiatrist, Masina Hospital.
