After what we’ve been through it’s OK to feel differently, and it is more important than ever to look after our physical and mental wellbeing.

This week, Dr Jonathan Fee, senior educational and child psychologist, talks about return to school and the impact of the pandemic on children’s mental health.

At times of uncertainty and crisis it is normal for many people to experience an increase in psychological distress.

Our inbuilt survival mechanisms are activated, which results in an appropriate reaction to what is very much an abnormal situation.

There is no right or wrong way to feel during a crisis. Some individuals may feel anxious, stressed, sad, bored or lonely. Others may be withdrawn or irritable. Some might be enjoying the benefits of home learning and reconnecting with family during lockdown.

Our approach now is important to reduce the likelihood of long-term distress and some of the best ways to support are simple.

Be honest and accurate

Ensure children and young people are provided with the right information, in an age appropriate way.

Many children continue to be worried about catching Covid-19, passing it on to vulnerable family members and then want to know how safe it is to reengage with normal activities.

Providing reassurances and information about protective measures can be helpful.

Connectedness and family aupport

The majority of children and young people recover well with family support.

There is no need for therapeutic interventions.

Coming out of lockdown and being able to engage with friends, return to school and re-engage with leisure activities is intervention enough.

The routines and structures offered by family and school offer a sense of familiarity, which makes many people feel safe.

Tolerance and understanding

At this time, it is important to listen to children and young people and give them the opportunity to co-construct with you about how they would like to move forward. We need to be mindful of each other’s wellbeing over the coming months.

This is a period of adjustment and people may be more anxious or irritable as they readjust. If anxiety and worries continue and young people are saying they can’t cope or are avoiding talking and socialising, then it is worth accessing further support.

Supporting others

If you were struggling before the pandemic, it is likely the additional pressures of lockdown will have added to your difficulties.

For others who were managing okay, you may now feel overwhelmed, e.g. secondary students, report higher levels of anxiety linked to keeping up with school work, changes to exams and uncertainty about the future.

Others report a higher level of restlessness and struggles with concentration during the pandemic. These difficulties may impact the transition back to school.

Accessing help

If you have any worries, or are concerned about someone else, it is important to talk to someone in school, such as a teacher, educational support offer or a listener.

Many people have accessed the online information, support and counselling offered by Kooth, which is a confidential service that can be accessed on your phone, with support available when you need it (https://www.kooth.com).

For more tools and links you can read the full article on areyouok.gov.im or if you would like to speak to someone call the Community Support and Information Line team on 686262.