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More children seeking mental health services amidst pandemic: SLMA

06 Oct 2021

  • Symptoms include impatience, stubbornness, increased crying/nightmares, lack of sleep, unwillingness to study
By Pamodi Waravita The number of children seeking mental health services during the Covid-19 period has increased, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) stated on Tuesday (5). “This is a very difficult time for children as well as for adults. As adults, we don’t understand, or we find it difficult to comprehend how children’s lives have been disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As the year progressed, we observed that more children were and are still being brought to us by their parents. The mental health symptoms vary with different age groups. Young adults often show symptoms such as impatience, stubbornness, increased crying, increased nightmares, the lack of sleep, and an unwillingness to study,” Peradeniya University Medical Faculty Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Pabasiri Ginige said at the SLMA press briefing on Tuesday.  She advised parents on the correct steps that could be taken if they notice that their children are struggling with the increased stresses and challenges brought about by the pandemic. “There are no teachers at this moment to share this burden with the parents (owing to schools not being reopened). Firstly, it is important to listen to your child. Listen to them and acknowledge what they are saying. Reassure them that it is not their fault if they feel a certain way and emphasise to them that it is alright to not feel alright. There are also many online resources about topics such as adolescent depression. Becoming knowledgeable on what your child is going through is also helpful,” noted Dr. Ginige. She added that having a rough schedule of the day’s activities, manageable goals, and physical activity is also good for children, but cautioned against an “army-like timetable”, referring to a strict timetable of daily activities. She further said that children living in the time of the pandemic need space and time to create social relations online, under parental supervision. “It is likely that we will see a future generation of people who are more reluctant to create social relations as their present childhood is very different, since it is mostly online. It is therefore necessary that parents give children the environment needed to cultivate friendships and social relations.” Sri Lanka has faced an almost consistent school closure since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, leading to severe disruptions to both the education and social lives of children. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides a toll free helpline (1926) for anyone who wishes to consult their services.  


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