The pandemic has globally impacted the mental health of individuals, and that includes children. Dr. Khalid Al Risi, a child psychiatrist at Sidra Medicine, explains the effects of the pandemic and what can be done to support the mental health of children. 

Dr. Al Risi explains, “Current research has suggested that a significant number of children have experienced psychological distress because of the profound disruptions in children's normal routines associated with school closures, lockdowns, social isolation, and loneliness.” Along with the social isolation and loneliness created by lockdown precautions, he explains that the significant disruptions in children's normal routines linked to the pandemic over the previous several months have increased the risk of additional adverse child mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression.

Children are experiencing certain struggles such as loneliness, lack of social skills, social isolation, and emotional challenges, due to significant changes in their routines. The pandemic and the illnesses that have followed have contributed to the loss of a sense of security and predictability. Dr. Al Risi emphasizes that children have reacted to grief, anger, fear, and worries with strong emotions. He explains to Qatar Living, “Though the majority of children will do fine in the long run, few, especially the ones with no siblings, will struggle with catching up basic social skills. Helping children meet with their peers, even just a little bit every week, is very helpful to fight the feeling of loneliness.”

According to Dr. Al Risi, children are commonly more concerned about their family and friends than they are about their own selves. If a child is experiencing a mental health struggle, this means that it is essential for parents to comprehend the child’s concerns and offer them support. 

He tells Qatar Living, “It is critical to comprehend the fears of the children and be mindful of what your child sees or hears on television, radio, or online. Helping the child to sort through information heard, being a good role model, and helping children feel in control, when possible, may help to improve their struggles with uncertainties.” However, Dr. Al Risi states that it is important for parents to essentially have their anxiety under control. 

If a child has a pre-existing mental health disorder, then it is understandable for the child to have more difficulty during the pandemic. This is especially true of children who are largely reliant on support of their peers and social interaction. In a situation like this, Dr. Al Risi recommends goal setting to alleviate adverse mental health, teaching children helpful coping strategies, and regularly doing activities that are positive and that usually alleviate the struggle of the child’s mental health disorders. Dr. Al Risi also suggests, “Sharing the worries and discussing them may also help. A regular visit to a mental health provider either face to face, through a phone call, or online makes the condition more stable.”

Providing children with age-appropriate information could help ease their concerns about the pandemic. Another method that Dr. Al Risi recommends is the process of listening and asking the child about their concerns regarding the pandemic. He states, “Social distancing should not mean social isolation. Keeping children busy usually distracts their minds from thinking about the pandemic.”

While most children are capable of handling stressful situations during the pandemic, Dr. Al Risi advises that, amongst other reactions, some children might react with struggles such as eating problems, sleep disturbances, nightmares, mood swings, increased aggression, and hypervigilance. In this case, it becomes necessary for the child to see a psychiatrist or therapist. This is also the case when children experience suicidal ideations, struggle to function throughout the day due to worries and grief, become distant, or struggle with unexplained physical issues. Seeking an immediate referral would help the child get the support they need, in order to alleviate their mental health struggles and move forward on a more positive note.  

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