Stating that the admission to clinics has increased with the increase of depression seen in children and adolescents in the pandemic, Dr. Canan Tanıdır says, “Children experience the psychological distress of being at home all the time and not being able to socialize. They experience more depression. Some of them are very anxious and their obsessions have increased. Especially because of the high death risk in people with any chronic illness from the virus, there are many children who apply with the concern of ‘What if something happens to my parents?’ At first, there was perhaps an uncertainty, but the longer the process lasts, the less hope they have left. Children and young people now apply to the clinic with too many problems” and she underlines that they sometimes have to apply medication for young people.
“FULL CLOSURE WILL BE VERY TOUGH FOR CHILDREN”
Emphasizing that it is very essential for children to be able to socialize in childhood and adolescence period, Assoc. Dr. Canan Tanıdır says that no matter how much they communicate via phone or social media, this is not a substitute for going to school, and the routines of the children were disturbed during this period She continues her words as follows:
“They don't get up in the morning and go to school, those who used to go to gym cannot go now. Screen addiction has increased since they're always at home. They have no physical activity. The full closure was expected, yet this is still against human nature. People feel as if their freedom has been taken away. Three weeks is not a short time and the weather is getting better. During this period, children will have difficulties. Especially going out and spending part of the day outside is very essential for children with autism and hyperactivity. Site administrators have also received a warning. In the period of full closure, children are not even allowed to play in front of their apartments. This means staying at home for three weeks. So this is like torture for kids who like getting around, going out."
“QUARRELS MAY OCCUR”
Stating that she witnesses situations such as unhappiness in the pandemic, sense of meaningless life, confusion in goals, decreased success in educaton career, decreased interest in studying, introversion even in sociable children, distancing from parents and hobbies, Dr. Canan Tanıdır says; “The tension of the parents is also reflected on the children. When there is a problem, the children look at them and decide if it is serious. As the tension of the parents increases, so does the quarrels and tension in the house. Being too intertwined in the full closure period can trigger this situation. In addition, they spend a lot of time in front of the screen during this period. "This means an increase in sleep problems, nervousness, attention problems, not studying, and not being able to focus on the lesson."
“SUICIDAL THOUGHTS INCRESE”
Expressing that they applied drug therapy in very severe cases in young people, Assoc. Dr. Tanıdır says that antidepressant-type drugs can be used in children and adolescents, and that they used medication and therapy together in some of their patients. Emphasizing that depression is not a simple condition, Dr. Tanıdır says, “Medication use has increased in pandemic. Sometimes, as the depression in children gets worse, they start to push them into suicidal thoughts. Life seems too meaningless for the adolescent who normally does not have any problems and they tend to think about committing suicide. They may attempt it. In such cases, we apply inpatient treatment for the safety of the adolescent. One of the most common causes of death in adolescence is suicide. There are a lot of adolescents with suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it is very important to have time for your children.”
"RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FULL CLOSURE PERIOD"
Assoc. Prof. Canan Tanıdır gives the following advice for the full closure to children and adolescents;
“In this process, think about the activities you can do at home. For example, you can do puzzle, paint, or play musical instruments. This period is a great opportunity to strengthen family relationships. When they come together, they can chat and play various games. They can watch movies and talk about their old memories. Sometimes, they can call their friends by video and meet online. In this period, it is very important to look at the positive side and be hopeful. Since there is hope, all is going to be fine again."
