By Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H
You probably know there are many reasons why kids should return to school in person, rather than trying to learn from home. But, did you know that kids could actually develop serious psychological problems from being cooped up, and not engaged in learning or social interaction with their schoolmates? Here are warning signs of the most typical problems to be on the lookout for, if your child’s school has not yet reopened.
Anxiety Disorders
The many changes and uncertainties in a child’s life these days can make them feel extremely anxious. Signs of this can include: fidgeting, nail biting, and not being able to concentrate on their homework. Some may develop Illness Anxiety Disorder, where they focus on fears of getting sick - notably with Covid19. Others may develop Social Anxiety Disorder, where their lack of daily interaction with classmates makes them fearful of being with peers again, such that they cry or are afraid to speak. And still others may develop Agoraphobia, fear of getting lost or hurt in crowds, when they reenter the world.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
If your child has been spending their time in lockdown watching TV or surfing the web, chances are they’ve been exposed to countless disturbing news reports about coronavirus and mob violence. These are ‘the stuff that (dreams and) nightmares are made of’, and can make kids feel detached and easily startled. Their world has become terrifying, so they may regress to behaviors of a younger age – like bedwetting, sibling rivalry or insisting on keeping a nightlight on.
Personality Disorders
Trauma can cause a child to develop personality traits that can then be diagnosed as an actual disorder, if they endure beyond age 18. Current circumstances could precipitate traits, such: Obsessive-Compulsiveness (like repeatedly scrubbing toys to rid them of coronavirus), over-Dependence (from relying on parents 24/7), Paranoia (expecting to be harmed), Avoidance (expecting rejection), and even Schizoid tendencies (preferring to be alone).
Body Disorders
Kids are usually kept home from school when they’re sick, so it’s no wonder that they’re now prone to develop Somatic Symptom Disorder, or hypochondriasis, whereby a cough or headache makes them excessively distressed. Without school to occupy them, and the refrigerator so close by, they may develop inner struggles about food, leading to an eating disorder – such as Anorexia, Bulimia or Binge-eating disorder.
Impulsive Acting Out
Lack of opportunities for fun, friendships, and following their dreams makes kids feel frustrated. This can lead to taking out their frustrations in uncharacteristic ways. For example, if your child has a pattern of angry or irritable moods, and argumentative or defiant behavior, they may be developing Oppositional Defiant Disorder. If they have a pattern of cruelty or aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property and lying, they may be developing a Conduct Disorder.
Substance Abuse
Being stuck at home all day, bored and frustrated, can easily lead kids to explore – including curious forays into liquor and medicine cabinets – behind their parents’ back. Watch for signs like slurred speech, uncoordinated movements, and raucous laughter. Make sure liquor cabinets are locked and medicine – especially pills for anxiety, sleep or pain, are carefully hidden away. It doesn’t take long for experimentation to become addiction.
Depression
No friends, no purpose, no future, no fun… it’s no wonder some kids are feeling depressed. Look for frowns, apathy, listlessness, sleeping too much or too little, or not getting out of bed to watch classes on zoom or even to play. Any musings on what happens when you die, or talk of life not being worth living anymore, or giving away toys or other possessions, should put you on high alert for their thoughts or plans of suicide.
So, what’s a parent to do if they see some of these signs? First, gently talk to your child and ask them to tell you how they feel, and what they think is causing them to behave in this way. Then, explain that you’re concerned about them and are wondering how you can help them feel better. If their problem is interfering with their schoolwork or relationships and isn’t improving after you have tried your best, consult with a mental health professional. And finally, share these warning signs with other parents, the school board and elected officials, to get them to realize that shutting schools has serious consequences – some much worse than the remote possibility that kids could catch or spread coronavirus.
About Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H
Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., 'America’s Psychiatrist’, is a board-certified Beverly Hills psychiatrist and an award-winning and bestselling author. She was trained at NYU-Bellevue and at Anna Freud's London Clinic. She has served on the Clinical Faculty of UCLA's Neuropsychiatric Institute for years.
When Dr. Carole isn't seeing patients or testifying at trials as a forensic psychiatrist/expert witness, she's working as a three-time, Emmy-honored TV personality who has appeared on Oprah, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, HLN, ET, ABC, CBS, NBC and many more.
Additionally, Dr. Carole hosts two radio shows/podcasts and travels the world speaking about her books, especially her latest book for children (and their parents and teachers), Lions and Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My! How to Protect Your Child in a Time of Terror (Troika Publishing).
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