Signs your child could have Covid anxiety

Loving parents supporting their child — Here are some things you should watch out for (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The pandemic has proven to be tough on our mental health.

Much as parents might try to protect them, children are sadly not immune.

Psychotherapist Noel McDermott says: ‘Unfortunately, cases of anxiety and distress in children are on the rise now and this is being caused by an almost constant diet of scary stories on the news/internet, isolation from peers with schools being closed and from picking up on the stresses of family and parents.

‘For many children they will be experiencing more vivid dreams during this time, interrupted sleep, issues around appetite and so-on which are all classic signs of distress.’

When it comes to spotting anxiety in younger children, Noel said they’re more likely to try and hide their feelings from you to ‘protect you’.

He explains: ‘Little ones might try to protect you from their distress and say they are fine, but it will show up in other ways, such as in their play, which can become preoccupied with the worries; mummies and daddies getting sick and going to hospital, people getting hungry, people fighting and getting angry with each other.’

Mental disorder. Vector person with bad mood. — Noel warned some younger kids could withdraw and regress (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Noel warns that they could also withdraw, become more badly behaved and regress.

He says: Kids might become avoidant when they are upset, not talking, and withdrawing.

‘Behaviour may deteriorate and arguments and fights start. They may “regress” and start to act in a younger manner – depending on age you may see thumb sucking, incontinence, clinging behaviour.’

As for older kids? Noel explains that distress can disguise itself as apathy, saying: ‘In teenagers, distress can often appear as disconnection (“I don’t care, I don’t want to talk about it”) and through avoidance behaviours.

‘Avoidance and procrastination are both classic signs of anxiety. In older children we are seeing increases in anxiety as reported by parents, this includes relapses in anti-social behaviour, substance misuse etc.’

Friends and Family Support. A young woman comforting her crying best friend. — Noel said: ‘In teenagers, distress can often appear as disconnection’ (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

So what can you do if you think your child has developed anxiety?

‘Parenting in a pandemic is not an easy feat,’ said Noel, ‘But now more than ever it is vital that parents help children develop and maintain good mental health and emotional wellbeing.

‘You can do this by helping them feel safe, keeping healthy routines, managing their emotions and behaviour and by being positive at home.

‘By being positive ourselves, we promote positivity to our children.

‘If you are concerned about your child’s mental health don’t be afraid to ask your GP for support.’

Noel added: ‘It’s important to explain that we are on the final straight now, with the vaccination programme well under way.

‘Soon your kids will be able to see their grandparents as the shielded are being vaccinated first. Tell yourself this positive news as well!

‘The closure of schools as well as being temporary is the last time. We are all looking forward to a big party soon to move on from all this stress.’