Looking Out for Your Child’s Mental Health During the Pandemic

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, health has become a top priority for every family. Thankfully, children are at a lesser risk of contracting the virus. However, even if their physical health is secure, their mental health may not be.

Experts from the Philippine Mental Health Association have determined that children (and their parents) are struggling with their mental well-being amidst the current circumstances. Knowing the risk of the virus, being isolated from friends due to community quarantine, switching from traditional to online learning—these are all factors that contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

Below are some of the ways to improve the mental health of your children in these difficult times.

1. Be mindful of what your child sees or hears on TV or online
   
   While it is good to stay informed of the current situation, children may feel uneasy or overwhelmed by information overload. Try to limit their screen time by encouraging them to stay offline for a few hours each day. This time can be spent relaxing, playing with a pet, or even completing household chores.
   
   Additionally, media designed for adult consumption can be hard to understand and create more fear and stress in children. Help them process this information by explaining the facts in an easy-to-understand way.
   
   
2. Maintain structure with a daily routine
   
   Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, strict public health measures have been put into place to curb its spread. These measures have interrupted your children’s daily rhythm and put them into unfamiliar circumstances. With these big and sudden changes, they may feel restless, stressed, and unable to cope.
   
   The best way to address this loss is to create and maintain a new daily routine. You can choose to build around parts of the previous routine, such as when to wake up or have a meal. This can make it easier for your child to adjust to the new structure of their day.
   
   
3. Help your child regain a sense of control
   
   With the community quarantine and other changes to their lives, it’s all too easy for children to feel helpless or that things are out of their control. The possibility of getting infected can weigh down a kid’s mental health.
   
   Help empower them by encouraging good hygiene and positive habits as actions they can take to keep themselves healthy and safe. Regaining this sense of control should also extend to other aspects of their lives. Give them small choices to decide on, such as picking a family activity or choosing when to take their breaks.
   
   
4. Exercise as often as possible
   
   One way your family can stay on top of both your physical and mental health is through exercise. Spending at least 30 minutes, thrice a week on physical activity can provide several benefits.
   
   First, daily exercise helps your family remain active, especially now that going to public spaces or playing outside are no longer safe options. Second, exercise helps the body release endorphins—the “happiness hormone,” which can boost overall mood. Finally, it’s a good way for your child to spend time away from their devices and allows them to clear their head.
   
   
5. Spend time together with a positive activity
   
   There’s no doubt that processing the current situation is a difficult task, especially for children. It can be challenging to shake off negative emotions, especially when there are constant reminders of the “new normal.” As a parent, it is critical to provide the emotional and mental support your child needs to get through this difficult time.
   
   Invite your child to spend time with you doing a positive activity they enjoy—may it be reading, playing a game, or something similar. Doing this can help them calm down and take a break from everything around them. It also provides them a safe space to open up about what they’re feeling without making the situation feel too heavy.
   
   
6. Reassure them that things will get better
   
   With the way things are in the world, it’s no surprise that your child’s mental health is getting affected. They are most likely afraid and anxious about their well-being, as well as their loved ones’. They may also believe that the situation will never get better.
   
   It will help if you communicate with your child that the pandemic won’t last forever. Reassure them that what they are going through is difficult, but it will come to pass. Remind them of the various ways your family is staying safe and secure, such as having health insurance in the Philippines.
   
   Finally, let them know that you’re there to support them and hear them out when things get too hard to handle.

Small Steps Toward Better Days

The pandemic has changed the lives of many Filipinos. Both adults and children alike struggle to cope with their mental health, given all the changes in the new normal. Parents need to provide the right support for their children by helping them adapt to the situation and aiding them in their holistic development.

Amidst this crisis, BPI-Philam makes it convenient for you and your family to get insured and protected. Schedule a virtual appointment with our Bancassurance Sales Executives to learn more.