The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people

The COVID-19 crisis has led to unprecedented challenges around the globe. Despite their higher survival rate, the pandemic has proven to have had some detrimental effects on young people.  
 

We contacted Dr Regina Sala, a highly regarded consultant adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist, to discuss how coronavirus restrictions impacted, and continue to affect, the mental and physical health of the young. We found out some top tips that can help improve young people’s overall wellbeing.
 

How has the lockdown impacted our mental health?

The lockdown has impacted our mental health in various ways. For example, it has increased:

• worry about personal and family health.
• fear of going out.
• maladaptive coping mechanisms of stress or fight boredom; overeating, excessive drinking or online gaming.
• behavioural problems.

​There has also been a loss of mental health support and protective behaviours. It has increased:

• social isolation.
• loss of social support usually provided by school, friends and family.
• loss of social services support.
• risks of depression.
   

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted physical health?

The COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown restrictions have led to:
 

• less physical activity has been allowed.
• less time outdoors or engaging in hobbies.
• much longer screen time and increase online gaming.
• disrupted routines.
• irregular sleeping patterns.
• poor nutrition.
   

There has been an increase in obesity and an increase in incidences of abuse and neglect.
 

Risks at home have included:

• the stress of illness, lockdown, and financial strain.
• the increased risk of substance misuse and worsening mental health in parents/carers.
   

Children’s safety has also been impacted due to a:

• reduced access to support networks where they can report abuse or seek help.
• reduced access to school and youth groups which are important for identifying those at risk and providing support.
   

What can you recommend to parents/carers during this time?

• Be mild with your children, these are challenging times for us all.
• Stay connected with them.
• Ask about how they're feeling.
• Implement a daily schedule.
• Tips for parents/carers during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Stay positive and motivated.
• Ensure all family members know what is expected of them.
• Build your child’s self-confidence and trust in you.
• Limit conflict.

If your child has a condition such as ADHD, the traits of this condition can be aggravated. The use of behaviour management techniques have beneficial effects in reducing oppositional defiant and disruptive behaviour which is common.

Self-help evidence-based interventions including building young people’s self-confidence are also fundamental during this time, it’s something I guide my patients with via e-Consultation and via appointments when possible.
 

What lifestyle recommendations would you suggest are helpful during this time?

• Restrict intake of high fat and sugar diets/sweetened soft drinks.
• Promote intake of fruits and vegetables.
• Adjust portion sizes appropriately for age.
• Ensure opportunity for family meals.
• Promote physical activity at home.
• Limit screen time: fix the hours that they can watch TV and play computer games.
• Ensure you all get enough sleep.
• Make sure you set an example for your children.
• Provide skills and information to make healthy food choices.
   

For more guidance, we recommend getting in contact with a highly experienced consultant adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist, such as Dr Regina Sala. Click here to visit her profile today for more information on appointment availability.