Many children and teens have a tough time coping emotionally with the stress, fear, grief, isolation, and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Common symptoms of stress in children and teens:

Infants, toddlers, and young children

• fussiness and irritability
• falling asleep and waking up more during the night
• feeding issues such as frantic nipping, more reflux, constipation or loose stools, or new complaints of stomach pain
• separation anxiety
• hitting, frustration, biting, and more frequent or intense tantrums
• bedwetting
• urgently expressed needs while seemingly unable to feel satisfied
• conflict and aggression

Older children and adolescents

• changes in mood and behavior
• loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• a hard time falling or staying asleep, or starting to sleep all the time
• changes in appetite, weight or eating patterns
• problems with memory, thinking, or concentration
• less interest in schoolwork and drop in academic effort
• changes in appearance, such as lack of basic personal hygiene (within reason, since many are doing slightly less grooming during this time at home)
• increase in risky or reckless behaviors
• thoughts about death or suicide, or talking about it

Ways to address the symptoms

• stay positive and relay consistent messages about a brighter future
• set aside a down time for the whole family to connect and relax, spend and enjoy time together
• keep lines of communication open between you and your child
• stay in touch with your pediatrician about ways to help maintain your child’s mental health during this difficult time