5 Years Later: Understanding Post Pandemic Anxiety Increases in Kids, Causes, Signs and Support10/29/2024
Since the pandemic, children and teens are grappling with increased anxiety, which manifests at home, in school, and in social situations. Experts link these heightened anxiety levels to several overlapping causes rooted in the societal shifts that occurred during and after the pandemic. Shifts in Social Development and RoutineWhen schools and extracurricular activities shut down, kids faced disruptions to their structured schedules and reduced social interactions, which are essential for developing coping skills and social resilience. For many young people, these gaps have led to difficulties in reintegrating into social settings post-pandemic, with heightened anxiety about school performance and peer relationships. Younger children, in particular, have shown increased signs of separation anxiety and behavioral issues as they struggle to reconnect with regular school routines, while adolescents report more social stress due to the absence of these formative interactions during crucial developmental periods【3】. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children missed crucial social milestones, which are vital for emotional regulation, empathy, problem-solving, and establishing relationships with peers. The lack of regular interactions with friends, teachers, and classmates delayed the development of social skills, and this delay can have lasting effects as children reintegrate into normal settings. Impact on Social and Emotional SkillsYounger children, who would typically be learning to navigate social cues, empathy, and cooperation, missed out on key in-person experiences that foster these skills. For instance, typical classroom experiences like group projects and recess interactions help children learn to resolve conflicts and work within teams, and the absence of these opportunities hindered this aspect of their social learning. For adolescents, a stage in which peer relationships are crucial to identity formation, the isolation created a gap in their ability to establish trust and intimacy outside of family dynamics, which can lead to social anxiety and difficulty forming new friendships post-pandemic【2】. Psychological Development DelaysPsychologists note that missing developmental milestones can increase anxiety and self-doubt as children reenter social situations where they may feel unprepared or lack confidence. For instance, a child who missed early opportunities to practice sharing, taking turns, or reading body language may feel awkward or anxious around peers, making it challenging to integrate socially. This can manifest in a fear of judgment, difficulty connecting with others, or sensitivity to criticism, even years after returning to regular social settings. Long-Term EffectsIn the long term, children who missed out on these developmental experiences may continue to struggle with social relationships, which are foundational for well-being and resilience. Studies have shown that early social difficulties, if unaddressed, can increase the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety in later childhood and adolescence. For instance, prolonged isolation can lead to a skewed perception of peer relationships, as children become overly self-conscious or hyper-aware of social dynamics due to limited experience. In adolescence, this may result in a reluctance to participate in social activities, fear of rejection, or difficulties in forming meaningful connections【3】【1】. Importance of Targeted InterventionsTo support children in overcoming these setbacks, mental health professionals advocate for programs that provide structured, supportive socialization opportunities, such as group therapy, extracurricular activities, and team-based projects. Reinforcing social skills through supervised interactions in a safe environment can help children gradually build confidence and resilience, allowing them to catch up on missed social milestones and adjust more effectively to social demands【2】. The effects of these missed milestones underline the importance of continued support for social and emotional learning post-pandemic to address the psychological impact on children’s development and long-term mental health. The Influence of Social MediaDuring lockdowns, children and teens increased their social media use, which has lasting implications on mental health. While these platforms provided connection amid isolation, they also exposed children to negative influences like cyberbullying, comparison culture, and unsettling news content, all of which can exacerbate anxiety. The constant social media presence contributes to feelings of inadequacy and worry, particularly as teens now often rely on digital feedback as a measure of their self-worth【2】 Social media use surged during the pandemic as kids and teens relied on digital connections to maintain friendships and social support amid lockdowns. However, this intensified use has continued post-pandemic, creating a new set of challenges around self-esteem and mental health. The continuous exposure to social media platforms has been shown to exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and anxiety as young users frequently compare themselves to curated versions of others' lives. Social media platforms, structured around likes, comments, and shares, encourage users to seek digital feedback as a measure of their self-worth. This dependency on virtual approval can increase feelings of insecurity, especially in developing minds, leading kids to prioritize social validation over personal confidence【3】【2】. Another concerning trend is the access that young people have to a wide range of mature and sometimes distressing content, which may not be age-appropriate. This content often includes discussions of world crises, economic issues, and violence, leading to heightened existential anxiety in children and teens who lack the emotional tools to process such information. For instance, adolescents have reported increased worry about global events like climate change, financial instability, and social justice issues, which are frequently highlighted on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Such exposure can result in "vicarious trauma," a phenomenon where individuals experience stress by learning about the suffering of others, leading to more complex anxiety symptoms【2】【1】. Ultimately, the post-pandemic reliance on social media has transformed it into a double-edged sword: while it facilitates connection, it also reinforces unrealistic social standards and exposes youth to mature concerns that can overwhelm their ability to cope. Addressing this issue may require more proactive education on digital literacy, helping young people discern what content they consume and understand the pitfalls of equating self-worth with online feedback.. Parental Stress and Environmental FactorsPandemic stress also extended to parents, who faced economic strain, job uncertainties, and the challenges of remote work. Many children absorbed this increased stress at home, impacting their emotional stability. For children from families disproportionately affected by the pandemic, the trauma and grief associated with loss or significant change may result in long-term impacts on their mental health and increase their vulnerability to anxiety and depressive symptoms【3】. Parental stress has persisted long after the height of the pandemic due to lingering financial strains, work-life balance challenges, and concerns about their children's mental health. These sustained stressors can contribute to heightened anxiety in children, as they often sense and internalize parental stress even if it isn’t openly discussed. For many families, economic uncertainty continues to be a major stress factor, with job instability and increased cost of living causing worry that children can pick up on. This can increase children’s feelings of insecurity and stress, particularly if they are sensitive to their parents’ moods and concerns【2】【1】. Furthermore, many parents struggle with adapting to new work dynamics, such as hybrid schedules or increased workloads, which can reduce the time and emotional energy they have to support their children’s mental health needs. The combination of these factors often leaves parents feeling less equipped to address behavioral changes or signs of anxiety in their children, which can amplify the impact of children’s symptoms and make them more resistant to typical coping strategies. Another source of stress for parents is the concern over their children’s increased use of technology and social media, which surged during and after the pandemic. Many parents worry about how the digital content children are exposed to could be influencing their self-image and mental well-being, particularly in a landscape where digital literacy and moderation are challenging. This stress can add a layer of tension to family dynamics, as parents may find themselves in conflict with children over screen time or social media, creating a cycle that further complicates children’s anxiety symptoms【2】【3】. In addition, the systemic lack of available mental health resources has left some families without adequate support. Long waiting lists for mental health services, high costs, and a shortage of child psychologists have made it difficult for families to find help for their children, leaving parents to manage both their stress and their children’s symptoms with limited external support【1】. These overlapping stressors underscore the need for targeted mental health resources for families, as parental stress management is crucial for supporting children’s mental health. Post-Pandemic SolutionsCommunities and schools are addressing these issues with mixed results. Many school-based mental health programs aim to provide support, yet the rapid rollout of new mental health curricula has been uneven in effectiveness. While teletherapy access has expanded, some researchers argue that face-to-face interactions may be critical for young patients, especially those with severe anxiety or social fears. Additionally, some community efforts now emphasize building resilience through activities that engage kids in group-based settings, like art and outdoor programs, to help mitigate social stress and support healthy emotional development【2】. In sum, the post-pandemic period has seen children and teens grappling with anxiety in new ways, shaped by disrupted routines, heightened digital exposure, and familial stressors. While mental health initiatives continue to evolve, supporting young people through the next phases of recovery requires comprehensive approaches that address both their emotional and social development. Creative and neurodiverse kids have felt a unique and often intensified impact from the social isolation, missed milestones, and delayed psychological development experienced during the pandemic. These children often rely on structured environments, supportive routines, and specific forms of engagement to thrive, which were disrupted during the lockdowns. For creative kids, the pandemic may have limited their usual avenues for self-expression and group creative activities, which are vital for their emotional regulation and confidence. Neurodiverse kids, who may be managing conditions like ADHD, autism, or sensory processing sensitivities, often depend on consistent routines and social interaction to build critical social and communication skills, which were often inaccessible or drastically altered during quarantine. Challenges for Creative KidsCreative kids are more likely to feel deeply and have heightened sensitivity to their environments. During lockdowns, they often experienced intense loneliness and struggled to process their emotions without access to creative outlets like art classes, theater groups, or other social art forms. This prolonged isolation can lead to social anxiety, self-doubt, and a reluctance to engage in social or creative settings post-pandemic. Returning to group settings can be daunting for creative kids, who may now worry about judgment or feel out of practice with social norms【2】. Challenges for Neurodiverse KidsFor neurodiverse kids, the pandemic exacerbated difficulties with social development. Missing daily interactions limited their exposure to social norms and hindered practice with peer relationships, both essential for navigating future social settings. For example, many neurodiverse children benefit from social skills training in controlled environments like schools, where teachers and aides guide them through interactions. Without this, they may have developed rigid routines at home, which makes adapting to school or social demands more challenging post-pandemic. Studies indicate that disruptions in these early developmental phases can lead to greater anxiety and social isolation, particularly for neurodiverse children who may find the reintegration process overwhelming【3】【1】. How Creatively LLC Concierge Therapy Can HelpCreatively LLC offers specialized concierge therapy designed to support the specific needs of creative and neurodiverse kids. This approach allows for flexible, personalized mental health support that adapts to each child’s unique traits, sensitivities, and developmental needs. For creative kids, therapy sessions can incorporate expressive arts, helping them to reconnect with their creative identity in a therapeutic, nonjudgmental setting. This can rebuild confidence, relieve social anxiety, and help them navigate social spaces more comfortably. For neurodiverse kids, Creatively LLC’s concierge approach focuses on fostering consistency and emotional safety, crucial for children who benefit from routine and predictability. Tailored sessions can include social skills training, sensory modulation techniques, and resilience-building exercises, all personalized to their individual pace and comfort level. This therapy can also support parents, offering guidance on how to maintain stable routines at home and help neurodiverse children transition back to regular social environments. By providing an adaptable, child-centered approach, Creatively LLC helps children reengage with their social worlds in ways that respect their needs and encourage long-term mental health stability. Sources Here are the sources for the information provided: 1. APA Monitor on Psychology - For insights on the effects of social media and digital feedback on youth mental health, as well as age-inappropriate content leading to existential worries: [APA Monitor on Psychology] (https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/01/trends-improving-youth-mental-health)【1】. 2. Politico - Covers post-pandemic mental health impacts, including the concept of "vicarious trauma" from exposure to global crises via social media: [Politico](https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/12/youth-mental-health-crisis-00120845)【2】. 3. CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Provides insights on the broader mental health landscape for youth post-pandemic and addresses the impact of comparison culture from social media on self-worth: [CDC Youth Mental Health](https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm)【3】. More Articles Like Post Pandemic Rise in Anxiety in KidsWhy Going Outside is Good for Creatives, Sleep and Creative Thinkers FAQ, ChatCare, The Surprising Way Creativity Slips Away, Recovering Creativity: A Pathway to Wellness, The Battle Between Artistry and Business, Business Basics: How to Build and Email List, Dealing with Trolls for Creatives, Creative Hierarchy of Needs, Psychology of Creativity, Crisis of Meaning, Coaching Creative People
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get more from The Creativity CoursesLiking educational topics and knowing what's hot in creativity? Creatively has online courses, with an interactive creative community, coaching sessions and more in the Creativity Courses. Want these blogposts in a newsletter? Subscribe here, and get a free gift. Cindy Cisnerosis a Creativity Coach, Creative Therapist and Professional Artist in Sykesville, Maryland. She is an expert straddling the realms of arts, creativity research, psychology, therapy, and coaching. She provides Online Creativity Counseling in Maryland and Virginia, and Online Creativity Coaching throughout the USA, Canada and the UK tailored for the discerning, imaginative, artistic, and neurodiverse. The information provided in this blog is from my own clinical experiences and training. It is intended to supplement your clinical care. Never make major life changes before consulting with your treatment team. If you are unsure of your safety or wellbeing, do not hesitate to get help immediately.
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