This year the world observes World Mental Health Day, on 10 October. It comes at a time when daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Mental Health Day is observed every year with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
With the scare of second wave of coronavirus infections, this means we need to remember what we learned from the first: that living through a pandemic can be hard on the mental wellbeing of children.
Research shows that those at greater risks are those children who experienced some form of trauma earlier in life. The anxiety and isolation of these times can trigger their deepest fears. Lockdown has shown just how important it is for all parents and children to care for each other’s mental well-being.
According to the World Health Organisation, “Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health. Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. And now, billions of people around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a further impact on people’s mental health.”
It is even more important for families with children who have gone through adverse negative experiences to set a routine. Limit the amount of news accessed, make time to reach out to friends and loved ones virtually, and create space to express frustrations and anger. This is especially the case in SOS Children’s Villages, where some of the children in our care have gone through some form of physical or emotional hardship.
SOS Children’s Villages urges all parents and caregivers to pay attention to early warning signs in their children. When you notice behavioral changes, from aggression to withdrawal, do not ignore it. Taking care of the child’s mental health is an integral part of parenting. Remember, mental health is not the absence of illness, it is the sense of overall wellbeing where a person thrives in their life and they are able to function properly. When people look at mental health as part of human development then stigma to seek help will no longer be there. We need to include a mental health approach in whatever we are doing and not wait for disaster to happen to intervene and do damage control.
It is important to remember that children are very resilient. They have many internal resources they can tap into as well. All children, whether those who experienced inhumane conditions, or violence and abuse in families in their own communities, have an inner power that needs to be recognized, nurtured, and cultivated. For others, play, art or drama can serve as an outlet to work through trauma and negative experience. We need to intervene early and provide them with tools to manage their own emotions so that when challenges occur, they know how to deal with them in a healthy manner. When they face challenges in the future, they will remember ‘I was able to do this once before, I can do it again’.
With COVID-19 still alive and well globally, it is crucial to develop more protective factors for children, youth, and adults, in order not to be paralyzed by its effects.
At SOS Children’s Villages, we care for hundreds of children who have lost parental care, and we support families that are vulnerable. This includes providing mental health support and care.
This, cannot be done without the support of donors and supporters. Please support us by going to https://www.sossouthafrica.org.za/ways-to-give/
