Schools reopening causing stress and anxiety, increase in counselling queries

From the fear of catching the virus to feeling worried about adjusting to the new routine, parents and kids are finding it hard to adjust as schools resume

- Riya Sharma

After two years of closure, schools are finally reopening across the country. Although, some are enjoying the idea of attending physical classes, others are finding it difficult to get back to the routine they had before the pandemic.From erratic sleeping patterns to the fear of meeting people, kids are facing many challenges as step out and go to back to school. Experts share how kids and parents can overcome the anxiety of going back to the routine.

APPOINTMENTS HAVE GONE UP BY 30%: COUNSELLORS

Counsellor Arouba Kabir shares that there has been a 30% rise in the number of people reaching out to her owing to the reopening of schools. “I’ve had clients spanning all ages, each with their own problems. Toddlers, who have never gone to school are anxious about leaving home and stepping into new playgrounds, meanwhile teenagers are anxious about facing crowds and co-existing with peers, again. Parents are also finding it difficult to cope and communicate with their children. All the while thinking about the risk of COVID, parents are finding it hard to alter their kids’ routines.”

With students studying from home for two years, there was a shift in kids’ daily routine. Dr Sandeep Vohra, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, shares, “Because of spending more time on screens and being socially isolated, children are now used to erratic sleeping and eating patterns. With things gradually opening up, there is a change in their prevailing routine and adjusting to that is difficult. The students who are facing this problem are mostly aged 13-18 years.”