Addressing the Mental Health Issues of Children and Adolescents in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Approach

Pages: 264-269
Priyanka Podder1, Rudrani Chatterjee2, Saranya Banerjee3, and Sanjukta Das4 (Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal1, Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata, West Bengal2, Department of Psychology & Clinical Psychologist, Research Project from CPEPA, University of Calcutta by DCRT, Govt. of W. B., Kolkata, West Bengal3, and Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal4)

Since its onset in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated mankind in all possible aspects of life, hurting the children and adolescents in an extensive manner. This article presents various reflections obtained from our clinical and research activities with the children and adolescents in the community continuing through the pandemic months. The psychological well-being of the children and adolescents, across various ages and strata of the society, has reached new lows with each passing month. Research has shown a steep rise in the mental health problems in this population worldwide. This article talks about the multidimensional adverse impact of the pandemic faced by those residing at their own homes, enrolled and not enrolled in school and those living in institutions and streets. It is proposed that there is the need for a comprehensive child-friendly approach to render mental health intervention for these children and adolescents. The multifaceted strategies discussed in this approach address their mental health difficulties related to family, studies, school and different socio-economic conditions to uphold their best interests and psychological well-being.These needs to be done while taking in consideration the socio-cultural context and also maintaining the COVID-19 protocol as necessary in different settings. It should be involving all the stakeholders, like, parents, caregivers, teachers, school and other institutional staff, peers, mental health professionals and the significant others in the community. This can lead to create a better safe and sound place for the children and adolescents even among the pandemic blues.