UAE: Covid-19 pandemic, social media compounding mental health issues in youngsters

UAE: Covid-19 pandemic, social media compounding mental health issues in youngsters

When her usually chirpy 9-year-old daughter started having episodes of anxiety and night terrors, Dubai mother M thought that it was a phase that she would eventually outgrow. However, the anxiety transformed into physical symptoms.

“She had a stomachache and we kept telling ourselves and her that’s it’s not a real stomach problem,” she said. “Then came the loss of appetite and finally she started throwing up from it. That is when I knew that she needed help.”

A child psychologist diagnosed M’s daughter with PTSD due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We had all tested positive for Covid early in 2022,” she said. “After having lived through the pandemic and lockdown, she thought that we would all die from the disease. Also, she missed out on meeting some close family members during our quarantine. All of those came tumbling out as anxiety and PTSD.”

Rise in mental health issues

According to experts, M’s daughter is one of an increasing number of children who are grappling with mental health issues after the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. Several children and adolescents are facing multiple emotional and behavioural issues.

“Rapid rise in social anxiety is one of the serious concerns seen amongst people post pandemic period,” said Dr Reena