COVID-19 has become part of our lives in just a few short months,
and the changes, and in some cases, trauma, we have experienced are
significant. For many, sickness and death have been the cause of real pain and
suffering. So how are families and children of all ages coping with the major
life upheavals going on? Many adults are dealing with loss of income, community
and emotional support, or lack of alone time since everyone is constantly
together. Children and teens, with less experience and capacity for
understanding the events of our world, may be struggling in different ways.
Losing the routine of attending school, being in clubs, playing with friends
and visiting relatives can be unsettling, confusing, and for some — devastating.
Anxiety is abundant and real and a significant part of what the people in this
world are currently experiencing.
In its raw sense, anxiety is a helpful, natural response to a
perceived danger. Anxiety can alert, prompt, and in some cases, protect us.
When anxiety is not managed, however, it can affect both the body and brain,
and cause feelings of helplessness and sadness. It can also cause us to be
filled with fear and become immobilized. Anxiety during the outbreak of an
infectious disease can cause us: concern about our health and that of loved
ones, change in financial situation, or loss of the support services we rely on;
changes in sleep or eating patterns; difficulty sleeping or concentrating; worsening
of chronic health problems; worsening of mental health conditions; increased
use of tobacco, and/or alcohol, and other substances.
Children and teens may experience the following: excessive crying
or irritation in younger children; returning to behaviors they have outgrown
(for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting); excessive worry or sadness; unhealthy
eating or sleeping habits; irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens; poor
school performance or avoiding school; difficulty with attention and
concentration; avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past; unexplained
headaches or body pain.
Fortunately, there are many ways to support children and teens
during difficult times. Talk to your children in an age appropriate manner,
informing them about what is happening regarding the illness, school closings, canceled
church activites, and distancing from friends and families. It all becomes less
scary when explained in simple, factual terms. Avoid exposing children to
negative news too often. Reassure your child that they are safe and that all
the precautions you are taking are designed to keep them safe — masks, hand
sanitizer and social distancing. Let them know that some things may be
different, but you are prepared to keep them safe. Try to keep up with regular
routines, despite closures. Create a schedule for chores, learning activities,
and relaxing or fun activities. Spend time as a family in meaningful
activities, reading together, exercising, playing board games, or watching a
livestreamed Mass. As a family, plan a vacation or adventure trip to a location
where you are able to maintain social distancing, such as the beach, a local
park or hiking trail.
For children with special needs, reactions to changes in routines
may be significant. They might have more intense distress, worry or anger than
children without special needs because they have less control over day-to-day
routines than other people. This may be true for children with physical,
emotional or intellectual limitations. Children with special needs thrive when
able to follow predictable routines. When those comforting routines are gone,
people with special needs may need extra words of reassurance, more and
repeated explanations about what is happening, and more comfort and other
positive physical contact such as hugs from loved ones.
Eventually, reactions to distress caused by this virus will fade
over time for most children. If children continue to have unusual reactions, or
just can’t adjust to changes, or if their reactions continue beyond a
reasonable time with no signs of returning to their typical behaviors, parents
may want to talk to a professional or have their children talk to someone who
specializes in children’s emotional needs.
Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise and
eat well. Let your children see you connect with friends and family members on
Zoom or other social media and that it can be fun, even though it is different.
And most importantly, pray together frequently — pray for health, friends, those who are sick
and those less fortunate than you.
Emanuel is coordinator for diocesan Special Needs
Ministries.
Find out more
For resources from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, go to cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html.
To contact Catholic Charities, call 703/841-3830.