Finding Therapists For Children is Difficult Due To The Pandemic

Inflation’s rising expenses, the Russian war in Ukraine, and COVID-19 fears are all major sources of worry for many working-age folks. Children, like adults, experience stress about the world and their place in it, albeit the specific issues they worry about and the intensity of their worries may vary. Finding therapists for children can be hard nowadays. The growing need for it has led to fewer available appointments and longer wait times.

One in every five children experiences emotional, mental, or behavioral disturbance, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. A greater urgency for it may arise during times of change, unpredictability, and stress. Only 20% of children in need of mental health services actually get the treatment they seek.

Disruptions to routine and predictability, interruptions to normal socialization and relationship experiences, increased isolation and uncertainty, and stress on family systems all seem to have had a negative impact on children’s mental health and likely increased the number of children in need of services brought about by the pandemic.

How Come It’s So Hard To Locate A Therapist?

With so many people vying for therapy slots, giving each child the attention they need throughout their session can be difficult.

Whether it’s via telehealth or in-person, appointments are scheduled fairly fast. In order to find time for their child, parents may have to call multiple therapists, and they may not always get a return call. It may take a while before they hear back, if at all.

Both kids and their parents might be put in a dangerous position when they require assistance but are unable to receive it quickly.

Strategies for Keeping Calm While You Wait

Parental and child well-being can take a serious hit while waiting for a kid to receive the care they require.

When a parent sees their child struggling and is unable to help them right away, it can cause a lot of stress. It’s a terribly helpless feeling. But there are things adults may do to make their kids feel less isolated.

There are other ways you may help enhance your child’s mental health and well-being in the meanwhile.

Healthy practices for falling asleep and staying asleep.

It’s important to ensure that your kid is receiving enough sleep every night. Setting regular bedtimes might be helpful for instilling a feeling of order and routine in one’s life. The importance of quality sleep to one’s mental and emotional health cannot be overstated. Remove electronics from your child’s room at night, and consider having them use a basic alarm rather than a cell phone.

Engage Socially.

Because of the pandemic lockdown, kids were separated from their peers and kept at least six feet apart for extended periods of time. It’s possible for kids to get back into sports, socializing, and other extracurricular pursuits. It’s also possible for them to interact with others in a familial setting. Get together for family meals and make time to spend with your kid. Togetherness is good for your mental health and a sense of purpose.

Soothe yourself by using coping mechanisms.

To leave the house. According to studies, children’s psychological, behavioral, and cognitive well-being can benefit from time spent outdoors. Try some deep breathing exercises or download a mindfulness app to reset your emotional and psychological compass.

Also, check with your child’s pediatrician and local support groups. Call 911 immediately if your child poses a threat to herself or others.

It’s tough to wait for assistance. You may support your child’s mental health by encouraging communication, listening attentively, and modeling healthy coping behaviors.

So, What Does This Mean For You?

The prevalence of mental health problems and the need for expert care are both rising rapidly. It’s already challenging enough without the added obstacles of limited appointment hours, lengthy waits, and constant everyday stressors. Prepare your child for the wait to visit a therapist by helping him or her practice healthy coping skills. Apps that promote mindfulness, time spent in nature, and reconnecting with friends may not be a panacea, but they may help your child move forward on their path to recovery.

Articles you might like: The Covid-19 Pandemic and the Spike in Type 2 Diabetes in Kids, How To Communicate With Your Children About The Covid-19 Vaccine, ADHD Treatment Decision