Shatakshi Saxena
Project Coordinator (Documentation and Communications)
May was first observed as the Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 in the United States, with the objective to spread awareness among people about mental health and well-being. The current pandemic and lockdown situation has impacted the mental health of children residing at CCIs, children from vulnerable backgrounds, children with special needs, families of these children, caregivers and CCI staff.
On 31st May, we conducted a Twitter Chat on “Addressing Mental Health Amidst COVID-19”, with partners who work in the field of child rights and mental well-being. We were joined by the following partner organizations:
- Save the Children India, Mumbai (STCI)
- HAQ: Center for Child Rights
- Miracle Foundation
- Ashiyana Foundation
- Catalysts for Social Action
- Railway Children India
We asked the partners six questions on addressing mental health amidst COVID-19. Some of the key responses shared were:
Q1. During this lockdown, how are organizations meeting the mental and emotional needs of children they work with?
Ashiyana Foundation- In some of the CCIs, children haven’t seen their parents in over a year. A letter writing program became a way for us to connect them to their parents, especially during the second wave. #COVID19
Railway Children India- This finally became a time when #MentalHealthAmidstCOVID19 was acknowledged and addressed because it could not be avoided anymore. Children from low income communities were reeling under the pressures of survival on an everyday basis, with no outlet and hope for the future.
Catalysts for Social Action- We’re trying to meet the emotional needs of children through our programs like the Digital Engagement Program, awareness activities, counseling through experts, children committees, etc. #DigitalLearning
Miracle Foundation- During the first wave, MFI developed a robust system of providing online mental health support to children with the help of Consultant Psychologists. CCI teams looked after children’s mental health. Group Sessions were conducted in order to ease out the anxiety & stress.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights- Regular audio, video calls, providing age appropriate COVID-19 information, encouraging children to spend time on their hobbies and interests. Created & shared Repository of activities. Started a free counseling helpline at HAQ & collaborated with DCPCR for distressed children.
Save The Children India, Mumbai- Unfortunately, 2020’s unpredictability & 2021’s #SecondWave has resulted in setbacks to the academic, social, & psychological progress of children with disabilities. We have been working with government bodies, local authorities & on-field volunteers to remedy this.
Read all responses here.
Q2. How has the role of counselors and caregivers evolved while interacting with children amidst these trying times?
Ashiyana Foundation- Along with providing mental health support, counselors have acted as a bridge between parents, community and outside world. Through limited modes of communication, counselors are trying to cognitively engage children through unconventional methods.
Railway Children India- While we believe that psycho-social help is as important as any other relief work during a time of crisis, a culture unfamiliar with the need for this service, sometimes hindered our efforts in reaching out to children and addressing their needs entirely.
Catalysts for Social Action- Caregivers have been parent figures for children, ensure their safety and personal hygiene and be a mentor and motivator. Despite facing many challenges, our Caregivers gave it their best. Kudos to them! #Mentalhealth
Miracle Foundation- The counselor’s role became more crucial since children had only them present in their immediate circle. All other communication moved to either video call or telephonic calls. They engaged children in productive tasks & helped them develop a positive mind-frame.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights- COVID-19 has brought out the mental well-being of children in a larger context, which was earlier being discussed in closed groups. Decline in stigma around mental health conversation was observed as counselling techniques were taken out of the confines of four walls with the help of technology.
Save The Children India, Mumbai- We are seeing an emergence of the ‘Cage Syndrome’ in both children with disabilities & their caregivers. It is defined as a feeling of being restricted & limited to a home devoid of any contact with others, which leads to irritability, anger, sadness & even meltdowns.
Read all responses here.
Q3. How has the closure of special schools and day care centers impacted the emotional well-being of children with special needs?
Railway Children India- Here’s a powerful read by @havoviw @STCI_Mumbai that highlights why we need to recognize & work with children with disabilities, to cope during a crisis. https://t.co/2LwuV5qMaG?amp=1
Catalysts for Social Action- Children with pre-existing psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and behavior disorders (that often go unrecognized, passed off as behavioral issues) are adversely impacted during this stressful situation. #Mentalhealth
Miracle Foundation- Lockdowns have impacted children with special needs more than ever. Their routines are completely disrupted and which is one of the important parts of their life.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights- Decline in social skills which were already compromised. #Childrenwithspecialneeds became more anxious, restless & frustrated. Changes were noticed in sleeping, eating pattern, non-availability of #Caregivers, #Doctors & timely medicines have put them at greater risk of relapse.
Save The Children India, Mumbai- Most online platforms aren’t compatible with assistive technology used to teach children with special needs. Holding their attention onscreen is difficult for both caregivers & educators as compared to being in the same physical space & communicating through gestures.
Read all responses here.
Q4. What has your experience been while communicating with families unable to meet their children residing at CCIs?
Ashiyana Foundation- This year too we are seeing parents from different states spend all their savings to just travel through the #lockdown to get their children or meet their children. In times like this, parental counselling becomes crucial.
Catalysts for Social Action- Several families were very anxious about their childrens’ safety & wanted them back home. Many approached the CWC too. Some parents felt that children are safer in the CCI set-up. These families were finding it hard to manage their daily needs with little to no income.
Miracle Foundation- It has been a very difficult time for the vulnerable families. These families have suffered a lot, since most of them are #DailyWage earners & #lockdown impacted their daily earnings & it was even difficult to survive with long days without work.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights- Parents were fearful and concerned for the safety of their children. The apprehensions revolved around the risks of COVID and children contracting the infection.
Save The Children India, Mumbai- We have also seen corruption mushrooming to allow meetings with children. We have seen parents who use these meetings to deter their children from seeking education, skills or justice, which is absolutely heartbreaking. Unfortunately, we are privy to many instances like these, some of which are horrifying!
Read all responses here.
Q5. What are some good practices followed by organisations to ensure the well-being of employees, caregivers and caseworkers working with children and families?
Ashiyana Foundation- We at our organisation have always maintained a safe space of sharing and providing support along with prioritizing emotional and mental well-being. Even in the darkest days, we find joy in the little things we do as a team.
Catalysts for Social Action- Create an ecosystem of dialogue, support and connectedness. Keep caregivers and staff at the heart of everything. Their well-being and day to day support is imperative.
Miracle Foundation- Employees were encouraged to work on flexible hours & further were given few days off in order to take care of them & families well-being too. As an act of kindness, Hardship Allowance was also granted to employees to ensure that they have enough resources.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights- Daily and Weekly check-ins to know about each-other’s physical and emotional well-being. Conducted weekly self-care sessions which included fun activities & sharing sessions. HAQ also introduced a “Buddy System” to engage all team members and to know each other beyond the work.
Save The Children India, Mumbai- Providing accurate & relevant information through consistent communication is key during these uncertain & ambiguous times. STCI has been broadcasting such information (vaccine centers, quarantine centers, guidelines) on a timely basis, through online & offline platforms.
Read all responses here.
Q6. What is the way forward towards addressing mental health and making its services accessible to children, their families and caseworkers?
Ashiyana Foundation- The first step should be bringing awareness about the importance of safekeeping our mental health for all stakeholders involved. We need to practice empathy as a daily ritual together as a society.
Railway Children India- What still remains unknown is the long term impacts of this pandemic on children. But mental health support is certain to mitigate the negative impact and help address challenges at a nascent stage.
Catalysts for Social Action- To make addressing mental health accessible, follow some of the best practices shared, identify needed areas and extend support and focus on the professional development of staff. #Mentalhealth
Miracle Foundation- In regards to Way Forward, a long-term & sustainable form of services are required which connects children & families in their own communities such as facilitating support by DMHPs, NGOs support to communities by creating awareness & destigmatizing the mental health needs.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights- A holistic research and audit into the mental health interventions made during the pandemic would enable us to improve and revisit our strategies to address mental health concerns among children. #Mentalhealh #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #COVIDEmergency
Save The Children India, Mumbai- More awareness and lower stigma within under-served communities are essential when paving the way to better #Mentalhealth. Tech-enabled solutions in this space enabled by the right infra can help reach many more children, families & caseworkers.
Read all responses here.
The chat ended with Prerana thanking all the participants for their insights, and observations.
