Exploring the Benefits of Child Counselling Amidst the Pandemic Challenges
The past couple of years have subjected us all to various forms of stress, courtesy of the profound impact the pandemic has had on our lives. While we often view children as resilient, have we truly delved into the mental toll these changes have taken on them?
Understanding the Mental Impact on Children
In a sudden turn of events, children were plucked from their familiar school environments and informed that life, as they knew it, had undergone a complete transformation. The prospect of not seeing friends for an indefinite period became their new reality. How does one navigate such significant shifts? Child counselling emerges as a valuable and effective starting point.
If the idea of seeking child counselling seems extreme, let’s examine the changes reported among children, as highlighted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in May 2021:
Parental Concerns
- 47% of parents with preschoolers expressed heightened worries about their children’s emotional well-being.
- 22% of parents with children aged 5 to 12 reported an overall deterioration in their children’s mental and emotional health, manifesting as conditions like depression, anxiety, and psychological stress.
- 25% of high school students disclosed worsened emotional health during the early stages of the pandemic, with only one-third feeling capable of coping with their sources of stress more recently.
These statistics, although not surprising, shed light on the multitude of influencing factors:
Factors Contributing to Children’s Mental Struggles
- Loneliness and Isolation:
- Resulting from lockdowns and social distancing measures.
- Adjusting to Remote Learning:
- Children grappling with studying at home and managing their workload independently.
- Friendship Disruption:
- The absence of in-person interactions with friends.
- Routine Upheaval:
- Coping with the extreme changes in daily life.
- Parental Stress:
- Impacting children due to reasons like poor health or loss of income.
- Global Pandemic Anxiety:
- The constant threat of living through a global health crisis.
The Role of Child Counselling
Given the overwhelming nature of these stresses and uncertainties, especially for young individuals still honing their coping skills, the need for support becomes evident. Even the adults they typically turn to for guidance are navigating an evolving world. Children may find it challenging to articulate their stresses, making child counselling a crucial resource to help them comprehend their experiences and develop the necessary coping mechanisms.
Dr. Tienie Maritz, a highly qualified psychologist with extensive experience in working with children and young adults, offers child counselling services. For more information on the support your child deserves in navigating this seemingly upside-down world, reach out to Dr. Maritz’s office.
