It had been two years since the pandemic hit, and the world had never been the same. The sudden and unprecedented lockdowns had forced people to stay inside their homes, and children were no exception. Home had become schools, playgrounds, and even prisons for children. The psychological impact of this prolonged homebound existence was severe, and many children had to deal with various mental health issues. Here is one such story of a child Elma who faced psychological issues after being home-bound for two years due to the pandemic
Story of Child Elma:
Elma was a bright and bubbly child who loved playing with her friends, going to school, and exploring the world around her. But all that changed when the pandemic hit, and she was forced to stay at home. At first, she was excited about the prospect of staying home, as it meant she could play all day and watch her favorite TV shows. But as the days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, Elma started feeling restless and bored.
She missed going to school and seeing her friends. She missed playing in the park and going on adventures with her parents to explore the world around her. Elma’s parents tried their best to keep her engaged and entertained, but it was becoming increasingly challenging.
As time went by, Elma’s mood started to change. She became more irritable and short-tempered. She would throw tantrums and cry for no apparent reason. Her parents noticed that she had become more anxious and worried, and they could see the toll that the prolonged homebound existence was taking on her mental health.
Elma’s parents took her to a child psychologist. After several sessions, the psychologist diagnosed Elma with depression and anxiety. Elma’s psychologist explained that the sudden and drastic change in her routine had left her feeling lost and uncertain. The lack of social interaction and physical activity had taken a toll on her mental health, and it was essential to take immediate steps to help her recover.
As per the advice of the psychologist, Elma’s parents started with small things like going for walks, playing board games, and doing arts and crafts together. They also enrolled her in an online school that had interactive classes and virtual playtime with other children. They made sure that she had regular contact with her friends and family members through video calls and social media.
Slowly but surely, Elma started to feel better. She became more active and engaged, and her mood improved significantly. She started to enjoy her virtual classes with her friends. Her parents saw the positive impact of these changes, and they were relieved to see their daughter’s mental health improving.
Solutions for psychological issues faced by children.
Solutions to solve the these issues
To address these issues, it is essential to understand the root cause of the problem. One solution to this problem is to prioritize socialization through virtual mode. Also Parents and teachers can work together to create opportunities for children to interact with one another. Playdates, social events, and extracurricular activities can all provide children with the chance to develop social skills and build relationships with their peers. Encourage children to engage in physical activity regularly.
Another solution is to focus on mental health support. Many children may need professional counseling to address the anxiety and depression they are experiencing. Parents and teachers can work together to identify children who may be struggling and provide them with the necessary resources and support.
Finally, it is important to recognize that the effects of the pandemic will be long-lasting. Parents and teachers must work together to create a supportive environment that allows children to thrive and develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults.
Conclusion
With the right support and resources, children can overcome these challenges and thrive. Prioritizing socialization, mental health support, routine, physical activity, and ongoing support will be key to helping children recover from the impact of the pandemic. We must work together as a community to ensure that our children have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
IGNOU Assignment Solution for PGJMC Students MJM-021