Jennifer is worried about her anxious child
As a single mom of three, I’ve been feeling incredibly overwhelmed since the pandemic began between balancing my full-time job and making sure I meet the needs of my kids. All three of them struggled with isolation during the lockdowns, but I’ve noticed major changes with my 12-year-old son, Kayden. He’s become more and more withdrawn, even after the restrictions were lifted, and I think he’s depressed. I want to support him with these mental health challenges, but I don’t know where to turn.
Jennifer needs an OT to help her son.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, many mental illnesses — between 50% and about 70%— show up before the age of 18, so they can have a huge impact on a child’s development. Mental illnesses can affect how well kids do in school and how they form relationships with other kids and adults.
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND STRESS are three conditions that can come from many sources, be triggered by a crisis, such as the pandemic, and have unfortunate outcomes.
The occupational therapist helped Jennifer’s son to:
Talk through and establish a list of activities that he needs and wants to do every day. These steps included helping organize his schedule to include participation in those activities that bring him a sense of purpose and joy, such as riding his bike, playing baseball and watching his favourite TV series. Set an achievable short-term goal or two that will build his self-esteem and give him a sense of progress and success.
Identify and connect with the available resources and social supports in his life, including at home, school and in the community. Advise about studying tips, homework schedules and maintaining self-care. Develop Kayden’s social connections with school friends and sports team members to decrease his sense of isolation.
Map out a routine. Either reconnect with activities that worked in the past or develop something new that might feel like a new normal. Broaden this to include his family where needed.
Learn about depression and provide Jennifer and other family members with education and strategies to support Kayden to maintain positive mental health and well-being. Practice healthy coping strategies and skills. Grounding and breathing exercises, positive thinking, establishing a good sleep hygiene routine and environment, and participation in physical activities.
Highlight personal progress and celebrate milestones, all while working towards a long-term goal.
Thanks to occupational therapy, Jennifer says Kayden is feeling more positive.
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) provides a searchable national directory of occupational therapists for all Canadians to find the occupational therapy services they need.
Occupational therapy. Making the everyday possible.