‘Your child’s feelings matter’: New resource to help Texas parents with child anxiety, depression

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Many can see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. But after more than a year of drastic lifestyle changes, many children are still struggling emotionally.

A new resource from the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and Texas Pediatric Society aims to help. The 'Your Child's Feelings Matter' flier offers parents tips to help them recognize signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children. The resource offers suggestions on activities families can do at home to mitigate these feelings, as well as information about how families can seek professional help.

"We had a period of time where they weren't in school," said Dr. Valerie Smith, Chair of the TMA's School Reopening Workgroup. "Then we had a period of time where school maybe looked different or is virtual or hybrid. Many of my patients and children across the state of Texas have lost family members. We've had periods of time where we've had to isolate and quarantine and all those sorts of things and so their routines have really been disrupted."

The resource recommends parents look out for new feelings of irritability or anger, as well as signs children are becoming withdrawn. Suggestions for mitigating these feelings include mediating, listening to music and taking a fast-paced walk.

"Nobody knows a child as well as the parents do," Smith said. "Parents have the track record of working with children, having those relationships with their children that are trusted. They are able to advocate for their kids in a way that really nobody else can."

You can access the resource here.