Trauma generation: Almost all Israeli children report symptoms of anxiety

Nearly 90% of children who visit their healthcare providers at pediatric hospitals report symptoms of anxiety, a phenomenon stemming from the ongoing war. At the same time, doctors note a reduction in symptoms typical of this period, such as colds, fever and flu, as children do not attend nurseries and educational institutions, reducing the risk of transmission .

According to the president of the Israel Pediatric Association, Professor Zachi Grossman, “As children are not in these settings, we see fewer children with regular contagious illnesses such as colds and coughs. » He explains, however, that “the observation is that in recent days, we see a lot of children showing signs of anxiety.”

“Parents are reporting changes in behavior or children developing psychosomatic disorders. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as many families are staying home either out of fear of going to the hospital or because that they think that pediatricians are not the right address.”

“We are seeing a tsunami of anxiety symptoms in children. Despite numerous channels through the Ministry of Health and health funds, it seems that somehow this problem is not adequately treated,” says Professor Grossman. “If each family were asked via their mobile device if their child suffers from anxiety, isolation or crying and whether they should be referred for help, such as a pediatrician or psychologist, they would would not be necessary to wait for families to arrive, as some will not.”

He further points out: “Approximately 90% of children who attend pediatric hospitals complain of anxiety. Many suffer from anxiety, and it’s certainly something we haven’t seen in the past. than before. I don’t remember such major operations in the past, and this further intensifies the anxiety. Today there are many qualifications for professionals, and what I try to convey when the family is in the room is practical advice. “

Professor Grossman emphasizes that “each anxious child is different, shaped by their family and individual dynamics, but we need to keep children engaged in a system of activities. The child must remain busy throughout the day with the tasks he or she needs to complete and accomplish. help restore a sense of control in children. The child’s cognitive perception is that he has lost control of his life. When you shift a child’s attention to engaging activities like tidying their room or playing with friends – various forms of activities to keep their minds occupied – you normalize their fears, which helps ease the pressure. »