Mental health of kids priority in current situation

KUWAIT CITY, March 11: Zahraa Al-Kout, a specialist in child and adolescent therapy at Jaber Hospital, emphasized the need to prioritize the mental health of children and adolescents under the current circumstances, indicating that their constant exposure to news on television or mobile phones, or listening to adults discussing the current events, can trigger anxiety, tension and fear, as such information is beyond their comprehension capacity.

In a statement to the newspaper, Al-Kout explained that reducing the exposure of children and adolescents to such news is one of the most important protective measures, along with the efforts of parents to control their reactions and emotions, since family tension directly impacts the mental state of children. She stressed the importance of maintaining the daily routine, such as waking up and going to bed at the usual times, continuing distance learning, adhering to the usual diet, and engaging in daily activities without any remarkable lifestyle changes. She said parents should remain calm when sirens are activated and obtain news only from official sources.

She asserted that remaining calm during such moments is crucial in reassuring the children, stating that parents should first ensure the safety of their children and guide them to engage in activities or interests that distract them and alleviate their anxiety. She added that the curiosity of children and adolescents often prompts them to ask questions about what is happening, hence, the parents must simplify information and explain it in an age-appropriate way -- through stories or simple conversation, while reassuring them that sirens and warning systems are for protection and guidance, not to instill fear. She urged parents to pay attention to behavioral changes in their children like bedwetting, difficulty in sleeping, sudden crying, hyperactivity or unusual stubbornness. She then underscored the importance of seeking guidance and psychological support from specialized centers if such symptoms are observed.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff