Sidra Medicine’s Senior Attending Physician, Dr. Finza Latif
Doha: Mental health of children is being affected due to disruption of their routines as the country battles the third wave of COVID-19, an expert said.
Sidra Medicine’s Senior Attending Physician, Dr. Finza Latif told The Peninsula, “This wave has had different implications for children under 12 years as they make up the majority of the unvaccinated population. While adult routines have had less of an impact, for example malls, gyms, gatherings remain open, children, however, have again suffered a disruption of their routines.
“In addition to disruption of routines, halted social development, getting sick themselves, children are also worried when parents and siblings fall ill and have to isolate. Children are not little adults. While they can have the same response to stress as adults, they may not have as much of a capacity to recognise or express emotions. Dr. Latif who also runs the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient Consultation-Liaison Service at Sidra, said among the complaints of children are stomachaches and headaches in response to stress. “This is the mind-body connection making it known, in no unclear terms, that the mind is suffering.”
She laid out practical tips and tricks to parents for them to help their young children cope up with stress. They include creating a home environment where it is okay to express worries without forcing them to talk; talk about ways to feel and stay safe like wearing a mask or washing your hands. Be sure to praise your child when they take these steps.
Also, create new routines like a family check-in every morning or afternoon, an indoor family activity; participate in activities that are relaxing, try having a “quiet time” every day to practice deep breathing or an activity that requires focus like doing a puzzle or craft project.
“Children may react differently to returning to school in person. Some may be excited to see their friends and teachers again. Other may be anxious about the change, separating from the care giver or getting sick.”
She likewise gave tips on this scenario: Talk to them about what to expect like new schedules or teachers; try to keep mornings stress free by preparing school bags, clothes and lunches the night before; and for anxious children, having a “buddy” or a close friend on the ride to school or at school can help.
