Supporting your child if they're feeling worried

It’s normal for children and young people to feel worried or anxious at the moment. We’ve all experienced sudden changes in our lives and routines – and we’re living with lots of uncertainty about the coming weeks. For some young people, the coronavirus pandemic may also worsen or trigger anxieties they were already struggling with.

Here are five things you can do to support your child:

1. Talk to them about what’s going on. Find out how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking about, let them know it’s okay to feel scared or unsure, and try to answer their questions and reassure them in an age appropriate manner. Remember, you do not need to know all the answers, but talking things through can help them feel calmer.
2. Help them to reflect on how they’re feeling and encourage them to think about the things they can do to make them feel safer and less worried.
3. Reassure them that this will pass, you’re there for them, and you will get through this together.
4. Spend time doing a positive activity with your child (such as reading, playing, painting or cooking) to help reassure them and reduce their anxiety. This is also a great way of providing a space for them to talk through their concerns, without having a ‘big chat’.
5.  Keep as many regular routines as possible, so that your child feels safe and that things are stable.

The Young Minds Website offers excellent support and advice:

Young Minds: Supporting Your Child And Family During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Finding more information and support

Helplines and services available

YoungMinds Parents Helpline

• The Parents Helpline is available to offer advice to parents and carers worried about a child or young person under 25.
• Their trained advisers are able to give you help and advice, whatever the question. 
• Call for free on 0808 802 5544 from Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 4pm. 
• You can also use their email service at any time. 

Anxiety UK

• Practical advice and information for anybody affected by anxiety, stress and/or anxiety based depression – as well as for their parents, family and friends.
• In response to Coronavirus, they are extending their Infoline hours to support as many people as possible.
• Now open Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-8pm.
• Phone: 0344 477 5774
• Email: support@anxietyuk.org.uk
• Text: 07537 416 905
• Live Chat available during office hours via the website
• You can join #Coronanxiety webinars and support groups, including around topics such as OCD, uncertainty and claustrophobia, at www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources.

The Mix

• You can find information for young people about coronavirus and ideas for things to do while staying home on their website.
• The Mix’s emotional support services are open as normal – and if you’re under 25 you can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you over the phone, email or webchat. You can also use their phone or online counselling service.
• Helpline open daily 4-11pm: 0808 808 4994
• Email service
• Webchat open daily 4-11pm
• Counselling service

National Autistic Society

• You can find information about coronavirus on the website – and look out for more ideas and suggestions for supporting someone with autism around routine change, anxiety and sensory issues such as hand washing over the coming weeks.
• You can also contact their Helpline for information and advice. Open Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm and Fridays 9am-3pm.
• Phone: 0808 800 4104 

Contact

• Information on benefits and tax credits that parents and carers could be entitled to if caring for children during the Coronavirus pandemic
• Advice on what the Emergency Coronavirus Bill means for disabled children and their families: You can also call their helpline for information and advice.
• Open Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm.
• Phone: 0808 808 3555

Cruse

• Resources to support people around bereavement as a result of Coronavirus, grieving and isolation, talking about death and dying and other issues 

Beat Eating Disorders

• Information on Coronavirus, your child’s treatment and changes to food routines at www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/coronavirus.
• Their Helplines are open 365 days a year from 12-8pm on weekdays, and from 4-8pm on weekends and bank holidays.
• Adultline (for over 18s, including carers and professionals): 0808 801 0677
• Youthline (for under 18s): 0808 801 0711
• Studentline (for all students): 0808 801 0811
• 1:1 online chat open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-8pm, and on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4-8pm
• Email for adults: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
• Email for young people: fyp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
• Email for students: studentline@beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Rethink

• Coronavirus information page including temporary changes to the Mental Health Act, advice for carers looking after those with severe mental health problems and information on self-care

CarersUK

• Guidance on what support is available to carers during the coronavirus pandemic, with lots of relevant links

Shelter

• Advice on coronavirus and housing, including information on evictions, mortgages, rent, benefits and landlord

Rehab Recovery

• A helpline for those struggling with addictions, to ensure you and those you love get the help you need to be free of addiction

Rehab 4 Addiction

• Rehab 4 Addiction was founded to assist those affected by substance misuse and their loved ones, offering a range of services, and help to signpost you to the most effective treatments. This includes alcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox services, intervention, aftercare and outpatient counselling.