Let’s talk mental health in kids.
Some of our kids are facing serious mental health challenges because of the pandemic. They are either doing school remotely or are wearing masks all day, and all of them are being asked to stay physically distanced from their closest friends.
It’s a lot for anyone to handle–and especially kids!
A study about mental health in college kids during the pandemic just came out, and I would guess the findings mostly translate to grade-school-aged kids as well.
In the spring of 2020 when many schools and colleges went remote, researchers did a survey of more than 2100 college students from 7 universities across the US. They discovered what risk factors put some kids at a higher risk of psychological struggles related to the pandemic. Here’s the list:
- Being female
- Engaging in more screen time
- Knowing somebody who contracted the virus
- Having fair or poor health rather than good overall health
On the bright side, the survey also showed that spending 2 or more hours of time outdoors each day was beneficial for students’ mental health.
That’s a win.
For as much as all of us are struggling to stay sane during this pandemic, let’s not forget the kids. Get them outside. Get them exercising. Get them eating healthy. Get them in a routine that includes time to relax and to play. All of these things can set them up for better mental health.
Also, if you have a child, teen, or college kid who you are worried about right now, please reach out for help.
Committed to Your Health,
Valarie
Valarie's Wellness 