Posted: November 9th, 2023

How Nurses and Medical Professionals May Assist Parents and Kids in Overcoming Their Mental Health Problems During the Crisis

How Nurses and Medical Professionals May Assist Parents and Kids in Overcoming Their Mental Health Problems During the Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global challenge that has affected the physical, social and economic well-being of millions of people. It has also had a significant impact on the mental health of many people, especially children and their parents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the pandemic . Some of the factors that contributed to this increase were social isolation, fear of infection, grief, financial difficulties and disruption of normal routines.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the mental health effects of the pandemic, as they may experience increased stress, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, frustration, anger and sadness . They may also face challenges in accessing education, social support and health services. Some of the signs that a child or adolescent may be struggling with their mental health include changes in mood, behavior, appetite, sleep patterns, academic performance and social interactions .

Parents are also under a lot of pressure during the pandemic, as they have to balance their work, household and caregiving responsibilities, while coping with their own emotions and worries. They may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, guilty, helpless or hopeless. They may also experience conflicts with their partners, children or other family members. Some of the signs that a parent may be having mental health problems include irritability, fatigue, insomnia, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal from others and suicidal thoughts .

Nurses and medical professionals play a vital role in helping parents and kids overcome their mental health problems during the crisis. They can provide information, support, counseling and referral services to families who are affected by the pandemic. They can also identify and treat mental health conditions that may require medication or specialized care. Here are some of the ways that nurses and medical professionals can assist parents and kids in improving their mental health during the pandemic:

– Educate parents and kids about the common mental health issues that may arise during the pandemic, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief and substance use disorders. Explain the causes, symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for these conditions. Provide reliable sources of information and dispel myths and stigma about mental health.
– Screen parents and kids for mental health problems using validated tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for adults or the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for children . Ask about their emotional state, coping strategies, social support and access to resources. Refer them to appropriate services if needed.
– Provide psychological first aid (PFA) to parents and kids who have experienced traumatic events or losses during the pandemic. PFA is a brief intervention that aims to reduce distress, enhance safety and promote recovery. It involves providing practical assistance, emotional support, information and coping skills .
– Offer counseling or psychotherapy to parents and kids who have moderate to severe mental health problems or who need ongoing support. Counseling or psychotherapy can help them process their emotions, cope with stressors, enhance their resilience and improve their relationships. There are different types of counseling or psychotherapy that can be effective for different mental health conditions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), family therapy or group therapy .
– Prescribe medication to parents and kids who have severe or persistent mental health problems that do not respond to counseling or psychotherapy alone. Medication can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression or psychosis. However, medication should be used with caution and under close supervision, as it may have side effects or interactions with other drugs. It should also be combined with non-pharmacological interventions such as counseling or psychotherapy .
– Encourage parents and kids to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can boost their mental health during the pandemic. These include eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and drugs, practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, engaging in hobbies or leisure activities that bring joy write my nursing thesis or satisfaction, staying connected with friends or family members who provide support or comfort, seeking help when needed and expressing gratitude for what they have .

Nurses and medical professionals can make a difference in the lives of parents and kids who are facing mental health challenges during the pandemic. By providing information,