The pandemic that swept the globe earlier this year forced schools to close their doors, leaving young students with little to no social interaction.

This lack of socialization may have long-term consequences on their emotional development.

However, as classrooms reopen, psychologist Dr. Jessica Pfeiffer has stepped up to help fill that gap.

In this article, she discusses the impact of COVID-19 on young students' social interactions and offers solutions to help them adjust back to normalcy.

Barn Buddies and Emotional Support for Kids

One solution that Dr. Pfeiffer has implemented is a program called Barn Buddies.

This program pairs students with a farm animal pen pal in order to help them learn social and emotional skills.

The program has been successful in helping kids open up about their feelings, something that may have been difficult for them to do before.

By pairing kids with barn animals, she hopes to help them learn more about empathy and emotional support.

She also believes that this program can help reduce anxiety and depression in children. 

Young Students are Facing Increased Mental Health Risks in the Wake of COVID-19

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the mental health of young people.

The pandemic has forced many children and teens to stay home from school, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In addition, the stress of living in a time of uncertainty can lead to anxiety and despair.

As a result, mental health professionals are seeing an increase in the number of young people seeking therapy.

While the therapeutic process can be intimidating, it can also be immensely beneficial. Through therapy, young people can learn to cope with their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

In addition, therapy can provide a space for young people to express themselves and feel heard. For many young people, therapy is an essential step on the road to recovery.

Therapists Offer Solutions to Help Young Students Adjust Back to Normalcy

It's been a trying year for everyone, but perhaps no one has experienced more upheaval than young students.

From learning remotely to dealing with social isolation, the pandemic has brought many challenges.

Now that schools are beginning to reopen, some students may find it difficult to readjust to a more traditional educational setting. Thankfully, there are therapists who can offer solutions to help ease the transition.

By working with a therapist, students can learn healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety.

In addition, therapists can help to identify any underlying issues that may be hindering a student's ability to adjust.

With the right support, any student can successfully navigate the challenges of returning to school.

Overcomers Counseling in Colorado Springs Understands These Issues Well

If you are a parent or guardian of a young student who is having difficulty adjusting back to school, please reach out for help.

The team at Overcomers Counseling in Colorado Springs has extensive experience working with young people who have been impacted by COVID-19.

There are many ways therapy or counseling can help children including:

• Helping them to understand and express their emotions
• Teaching healthy coping mechanisms
• Encouraging positive social interactions
• Improving communication skills

We understand the unique challenges that come with this pandemic and are here to help.

Please contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to helping your family during this difficult time.

Why is it Important to Seek Mental Health Help for Kids? 

It's normal for kids to feel sad, angry, or frustrated at times.

But these feelings usually pass within a short period of time.

When children experience these emotions on a more frequent basis, or they start to interfere with school, home life, and friendships, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional.

Mental health therapy can provide kids with the tools they need to cope with difficult emotions and situations.

It can also teach them how to express themselves in healthy ways. In addition, therapy can help kids build self-esteem and learn how to set boundaries.

Ultimately, mental health therapy can help kids lead happier and more productive lives.

FAQs

What are some common signs that a child may need mental health help?

There are many signs that a child may need mental health help. Some common signs include: Withdrawing from friends and activities they used to enjoy expressing feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration more frequently having difficulty concentrating or paying attention in school

How can therapy help children?

Therapy can help children in many ways. It can provide them with the tools they need to cope with difficult emotions and situations. In addition, therapy can teach kids how to express themselves in healthy ways. It can also help them build self-esteem and learn how to set boundaries. Ultimately, therapy can help kids lead happier and more productive lives.

What is the first step I should take if I think my child may need mental health help?

If you think your child may need mental health help, the first step is to reach out to a mental health professional. They can assess your child's symptoms and make recommendations for treatment.

Mental health care is essential for children. If your child is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. The team at Overcomers Counseling in Colorado Springs is here to support you and your family.

What are some good questions I can ask a therapist?

If you're considering therapy for your child, it's important to choose a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What is your experience working with children?
• What are your treatment methods?
• How do you measure progress?
• What is the frequency of sessions?
• What is the length of each session?
• What are your fees?
• Do you take insurance?

You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your child's doctor. Once you've chosen a therapist, it's important to be open and honest about your child's symptoms and challenges. This will help the therapist create a treatment plan that's tailored to your child's needs.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on young students' social interactions.

If your child is struggling to adjust, please reach out for help.

Mental health care can provide kids with the tools they need to cope with difficult emotions and situations. Ultimately, it can help them lead happier and more productive lives.