Children suffering from more mental health conditions in Derbyshire
The problem has escalated in the county because of the pandemic
There has been a serious rise in the number of children accessing mental health services since the pandemic in Derbyshire.
A child psychologist has voiced her concerns on the matter, stating that the rise is not surprising and that there are a host of reasons why children's mental health has declined due to the pandemic.
The NHS has found that 1 in 6 children in the UK has been suffering from a mental health difficulty in the last year in comparison to 1 in 9 the year before.
Children traditionally thrive on routine, stability and safety according to experts; meaning that some of their core need have not been met since the outbreak of coronavirus.
Lack of stability impacting children's wellbeing
Melita Housley from Percuro Psychology said:
"Certainly in my clinic I've seen a sharp rise in referrals over the last year with children experiencing anxiety and low mood, and often struggling to attend school.
"Children look to their adult caregivers for cues that they're safe. It's been scary for everyone with constant messages of danger."
Housley is also concerned about the safety warnings that children have been exposed to through the media and in their communities. The 'Stay Safe' campaign launched by the Government was criticised for it's mixed messages as businesses re-opened after lockdown, but the worry now is that children will have also have been on their highest alert as it will have threatened their feelings of security. Housley added:
"Children are embedded in many systems; their family, school and clubs. Strain has been placed on all of these. Furlough and job losses has placed a financial burden on families, pressures of home-learning, the impact on family relationships from being stuck at home, and throughout this our young people haven't had their usual support systems in place.
"They haven't been able to see their friends and engage in their hobbies. And in addition; access to mental health support services was affected by social distancing measures."
Benefits of early treatment
Psychologists are confident that early treatment and diagnosis can make all the difference when it comes to preventing poor mental health in children and adolescents, but without available services this means that the problem has been allowed to worsen.
According to figures, 70% of children and adults who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate early intervention.
Housley noted a series of ways parents can help protect young people from experiencing symptoms like anxiety and depression. She said:
"Talk to your child about feelings. Join them in things that they enjoy. For younger children, imaginative play can give you a lot of insight into what they are thinking and feeling."
The University of Derby is also currently pushing the idea that techniques like mindfulness can make a positive impact, and that there are services available in the area which children could benefit from.
For advice on what support is available for children suffering with their mental health, experts say that parents should seek a GP referral. There is also information which families can access about children's wellbeing in Derbyshire via the NHS's online platforms.