MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLECSENTS DURING COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a complex array of challenges which had mental health repercussions for everyone, including children and adolescents. Grief, fear, uncertainty, social isolation, increased screen time, and parental fatigue have negatively affected the mental health of children. It has become difficult for parents to calm their children’s anxieties because of the uncertainty and stress in their own lives. During the pandemic, adolescents at high risk of psychological problems might fall through the safety net provided by a protective family life, peer support, and psychological support from teachers. Any pre-existing mental health problem, past traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or losing a loved one can make children highly vulnerable to developing severe mental health conditions. Mental health problems among this special population were widely ignored, unsolved and given less importance due to lack of understanding. Mental health of Children and adolescent shall be promoted through a series of Psychosocial Management strategies and activities.