The Struggles Students, Teachers, and Parents Are Facing During COVID-19 Isolation

The mental toll of the Coronavirus pandemic is unfolding inside homes all around the world, as students, parents and teachers learn to deal with a new normal of social distancing and remote learning.

Most of the public universities and community colleges have shifted into in-person classes online. Since nearly all of the state’s K-12 school districts have closed, teachers across the state scramble to learn how to provide instruction remotely. Already-stressed parents have become homeschool teachers in overnight. Students, meanwhile, are coping with missing major milestones like commencements and exams while those in college are preparing to postpone plans for the future.

Mental health experts say during this time of heightened anxiety, finding ways to cope and create stability are key to maintaining a healthy outlook.

It is to be expected that students of all ages will feel stress under the current circumstances, said Dr. Victor G. Carrion, a professor and vice-chair of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program. Dr. Carrion is worried that the financial burdens families are experiencing as a result of the widespread shutdown of businesses will increase discord and, in some instances, abuse at home.

Even in the most ideal situations, young children might become clingy and regress in behaviour. Slightly older children might complain of headaches or stomach aches, and adolescents might become withdrawn. Dr. Carrion recommended that parents and caregivers forthrightly address unusual behaviours. He suggested adults be clear, direct and succinct when discussing the coronavirus situation and that they invite questions at any time. Children benefit from structure and routines around studying and homework, and it is also important to make sure they have time for play or to make art, Carrion said. For older kids, journaling is helpful; exposure to media coverage about coronavirus for all ages should be limited, he said.

Katie Pettersen, president of the Santa Clara County Association of School Psychologists, said that when dealing with younger children, the best antidote is to provide accurate, contextually appropriate information. “It shows you the complexity of COVID-19, and how we need to make sure that there are clear messages for broad audiences,” Brymer said, “but also how we help schools or clinics prepare for questions from young people who might have unique needs.”

When discussing school closures or reopenings, Brymer said students should be told the rationale behind decisions so that they don’t panic. “It is important for kids to understand that not everyone in the community is sick, but that this is a way to stop the spread of the virus,” Brymer said.