According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Utah, more than 40 million people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition. Approximately one in five Utahn’s experienced a mental illness in the past year. Children are also impacted by mental health illnesses and spectrum disorders. During this time of anxiety, isolation, and depression, kid health is important to consider.
After months of social distancing, online schooling and other restrictions, many kids feel the pandemic’s toll. This impacts their mental and physical health.
In typical times, the activities that come as the school year ends can be stressful even for the most resilient kids. After more than a year of dealing with pandemic restrictions, many simply don’t have enough in the tank.
Effects of the Pandemic On Kid Health & Mental Wellness
At some doctors offices, psychiatric cases have remained high throughout the pandemic. Others, like Tanner Clinic has seen a more recent surge. Stress, anxiety, depression have all been increasing in kids during COVID-19. Nobody is immune to the stress that comes with a pandemic and related quarantining. That’s why you should make sure you are helping your kid get exercise each day as it is one of the most helpful things in treating mental health issues.
Remember that you are the main source of information for shaping your child’s attitudes. By modeling healthy behaviors and attitudes, you can help your child evaluate the messages they get outside and inside of the home. Helping your kids form healthy eating habits early in life can teach them to pay attention to the signals their body gives them. This promotes independence in your children around food at an early age. Teach your child to trust their bodies and and also look out for changes in diet, exercise, and confidence.
