In these uncertain times, constant exposure to the stream of coronavirus updates coupled with lockdown measures imposed by the government can affect our mental health. But what about young children who catch snippets of the news or their parents talking about the COVID-19?
Sameera Reddy, a mommy to Hans & Nyra, believes this disruption to our daily lives as well as the environment of fear can cause deep anxiety among kids. Hindustan Times quoted her saying,
“The most important thing I can tell you right now, the mental health of children is definitely not in the best space right now. And every child who is stuck in a lockdown is wondering deep down ‘what the hell is going on’?”
She further added,
“I was talking to Hans two weeks ago because I knew this was coming and the stuff he told me, I realized maybe we are watching too much news around him. Imagine if we have so much anxiety, how much anxiety do kids have? It is so frustrating, it is just frustrating that kids have to see this.”
The actress listed down signs of deep anxiety among children in an Instagram post – “finding it hard to concentrate, not sleeping, waking in the night with bad dreams, not eating properly, quickly getting angry or irritable, being out of control during outbursts, constantly worrying or having negative thoughts, feeling tense and fidgety, using the toilet often, always crying, being clingy, complaining of tummy aches and feeling unwell.”
The solution, according to her, is to “talk and just be there for them. Make them feel safe, just be honest. Give them things to do but a routine is just not going to do it. It’s gonna cut it if you are actually there for them.”
We’re on day 3 of the 21-day lockdown, let’s spend the rest of it being creative and positive because better days are coming!