The Side Effects of the Pandemic

In the last months of 2021, I witnessed an explosion of requests for psychological help in children between the ages of 13 and 20.The World Health Organization has defined a specific “collective trauma from Covid-19” that has worn out the capacity of adaptation and resilience, especially of the most fragile families. The effects of the pandemic have had and continue having serious repercussions on children and adolescents, especially the most vulnerable, not only on a physical level but also on a psychological and emotional level.

In recent months in my clinical practice with children and families, I have felt a deep and generalized sense of disorientation, as well as uncertainty. This is true as well for my colleagues: among adolescents and young adults, feelings of fear and frustration are growing, related not only to the disease itself but also to the economic and social consequences for their families. It’s easy to understand where all this came from, considering that the kids are inevitably spending more hours in front of screens, and they drastically reduced their physical activity and social relations.

In light of these upheavals and the feeling of such a dose of disorientation, I feel a growing need for reflection on what can be done to reduce the adverse effects of the pandemic in the medium- and long term. As clinicians, how can we support our clients and help them transform the sense of disorientation, fear and uncertainty into actions aimed at rebuilding the future? I have no simple answers to these questions, especially when I think about the profound impact the pandemic has had on me and my family. Indeed the trauma is collective.

I feel strongly that we can only succeed if we do a team job, if there is a community that supports us. I am very pleased to hear that the 18th IARPP Conference will be held in Los Angeles in 2022. It will be an opportunity for dialogue and listening, at a time when we need to strengthen relations and communications within the community so much.

I end this reflection by borrowing a fragment of an Edgard Lee Masters poem: “Life is too strong for you. It takes life to love Life” (“Lucinda Matlock,” Spoon River Anthology).

Fabia E. Banella
Member of Child, Adolescent and Families Committee

Fabia E. Banella, Ph.D.
Rome, Italy
Email Fabia Banella