Following the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we live our lives took a 180-degree turn. This novelty, sometimes, meant a series of changes in our daily routines, and not always for the better. Uncertainty, economic pressure, or isolation have had a negative impact on many of us.
The constant and thematic concern of the pandemic on a personal and social level, and at the same time, the excess of information >, rumors or “fake news” (false information and news), make us feel, to a large extent, stressed, anxious, scared, sad, or just lonely.
When to start worrying?
Although it is normal to feel stressed or anxious during the period that concerns us, once the signs and symptoms persist for several days in a row, they make you feeling tired or dejected, and you notice that they are beginning to interfere with your daily life, making it difficult for you to pace of life, it is time to ask a professional for help.
The restrictions of the pandemic: the price of health
First of all, we must point out that these restrictions have been, are and perhaps will be, basic and necessary to fight this pandemic. At no time do we doubt their efficiency, we only limit ourselves to explaining how they have had an impact on our mental health.
Confinement and physical and social distancing interrupt relational processes, that is, they decrease the availability of >support, interactions, and coping skills, which are worked mainly through social relationships strong>. Because of this, they are associated with psychological discomfort and even some disorders (anxiety, depression, insomnia or post-traumatic stress syndrome). We must add this to the grieving processes accumulated by the losses suffered during these almost three years.
Likewise, the closure of educational centers and the limitation of social activities significantly increase the risk for mental health in children and adolescents at various levels. Older people, for their part, also suffer a negative impact as they see their social interaction diminished, and Furthermore, they are the ones who are enduring the worst effects of this pandemic.
Children and COVID-19
Although the pandemic is harming all levels of the population pyramid, UNICEF emphasizes how important it is to take into account the effects it has on young people. /strong> and children, since these effects could last on their well-being for many years.
Due to lockdowns and movement restrictions, children have lost a lot of contact with their family, friends, teachers and simply with their favorite places . Despite approaching the third year, the consequences for children’s mental health and well-being remain. strong> overwhelming. The alteration of routines and the increasing concern of family members causes many young people to feel fear, concern and even anger at what the future holds for them.
What does the pandemic cause in children?
Although the coronavirus has not been especially harmful to children, the changes in the circumstances of their lives that it has brought about have been:
- The perception of time: as it is not the same for children and adolescents as for adults, it can very severely influence their growth and emotional development. Specifically, during adolescence, interactions necessary for brain maturation and the social environment occur. Isolation can make visible, or even cause, a psychiatric disorder.
- Traumas: the pandemic can be considered a traumatic event, which can precipitate psychopathologies for various reasons.
- Limitation of social relationships: the consequences of confinement and social distancing are, for example, the decrease in physical activity, the abuse of new technologies, irregular sleep patterns or inappropriate diets, among others.
- Character changes: although, at first, confinement couldhighlight positive thoughts and behaviors on the part of children, Since they could perceive it as an “adventure”, over time, problems such as apathy, restlessness, boredom, concentration difficulties, insomnia or fears have appeared. excessive.
Today, it is not ruled out that these effects can be prevented in the long term, that is, that they can be revoked with attention and measures. appropriate measures.
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