Author: Nana E. Turkson
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children” – Nelson Mandela
In the course of their lives, almost everyone has experienced being hospitalized once, whether it is because of birth or another reason. As a result of respiratory conditions, childhood admissions to the hospital are more common than any other reason. Children who are admitted to the hospital can suffer momentous social and emotional repercussions, especially those who aren’t familiar with the environment and who are not used to being in an unfamiliar environment. Emotions such as fear and anxiety arise in hospitalized children because of having to adjust to such an immense change. Supporting children through this process is crucial–because not only does it make their stay more enjoyable, but it provides comfort in uncertain times.
Social & emotional impact on children
The experience of being admitted to a hospital is a significant change, especially for a child, whose mind is still developing. Despite the fact that some children may find the experience intriguing, the majority find it frightening. The most significant social impact of pediatric hospitalization is being separated from family and friends. As a result of the separation, intense emotional distress is experienced, such as fear and anxiety. Which later leads to the child associating the hospital with these emotions–which can be harmful to their development. While a child is going through various emotions and adapting to a new environment, not having loved ones around intensifies these feelings. Separation from friends can lead to hospitalized children feeling isolated from their peers as well as falling behind from the disruption of education and a struggle to keep up. After recovery, hospitalized children still may feel a sense of isolation in social situations and struggle to fit in with their peers.
Social & emotional impact on families
Families find the hospitalization of a child to be one of the most challenging experiences of their lives. During a child’s hospitalization, parents experience a variety of emotions including uncertainty, anxiety, and stress. Parents may also find themselves in a financial bind due to their child’s cause of hospitalization. As well as the patients themselves, the family members of patients are also affected by worry and stress, and in some cases, because of this, they may even suffer from depression as a result. In addition to feeling burnt out from the stress of having their loved one hospitalized, they may also suffer other health problems as a result of the stress, including insomnia. It is urged that family members continue to express their concerns and seek support from others during this difficult time. They should also take time out for themselves to relax and recharge, so they can continue to be vital to their loved ones.
Importance of support & showing it
Showing support for a hospitalized child can make a huge difference in their experience–and even their recovery. Comforting and engaging with them can help ease their intense emotions. Engaging your child in things such as video calls with family and friends, and arts and crafts are all ways of supporting your loved one. Reading stories together, playing music, or even talking about their favorite animals can help your child in their recovery. Focusing on positive activities can help your child cope with their hospital stay. Providing emotional support to your child can help them feel more secure and give them a sense of normalcy. Encouraging healthy coping strategies and distraction techniques can positively affect your child's mental health. By helping them express themselves through drawing, writing, or physical activity, you can help them feel better. Involving your child in decisions and allowing them to make small choices can help them feel empowered and in control. Acknowledge their feelings and provide comfort and reassurance.
Wondering how you can make a difference in a patient’s life in the hospital? Here are a couple of ways:
Bringing home to them
While hospitalized, it is easy for a child to long for home after being in an unfamiliar environment. Bringing home to a patient is a crucial part of comforting them. Bringing in personal items such as toys, decorations, and engaging activities such as their favorite sketchbook can ease them and make them feel more at home while away from it. This way, they can have a sense of familiarity in a place that is otherwise strange to them. It also helps to give them a sense of control in an environment that may be scary. Additionally, it can create a feeling of safety and security that can help them cope better. Bringing home to a hospitalized child can allow them to feel more comfortable and secure. It can also help them to relax and feel more at ease in an unfamiliar environment. Furthermore, it can create a sense of familiarity and bring some joy and happiness into their time away from home.
Educating & making yourself comfortable
Educating yourself is another crucial part of the process. Education on the cause of hospitalization eases families of their worry and anxiety but also gives them a better understanding of everything that’s going on with their loved ones. Educating yourself can also minimize surprises the family of the patient may get from their loved one’s hospitalization, when you do this you're less prone to stressing about it because you’ve done your research. Parents also may feel burnt out from the stress of their child being hospitalized and even depressed. In this case, it is important to continue to practice self-care so that when your child is in need, you are not worn out or exhausted. Also never be afraid to ask for help or express your emotions to a trusted person. It is easy to feel overwhelmed with emotion with all that is happening so it is valuable to make sure you're in top shape– mentally and emotionally.
Validation of emotion
Validating your child’s emotions during the process is another essential part of the process to make their hospital stay more comfortable. Always remember to be patient with your child, no matter the circumstances. Your child may display signs of stress such as lashing out, throwing tantrums, crying, whining, and more. In order to make sure that your child understands what they are going through, it’s vital that you keep talking to them about what they are experiencing and clarify any misunderstandings or misinterpretations that they may have. Offer reassuring words and love whenever possible. Don’t forget to listen to their feelings and be understanding. Finally, be consistent with your expectations and the rules you set for them. Encourage your child to talk to you about their thoughts and feelings. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel this way and that you are there for them. Provide support and comfort when needed.
Final takeaways
In conclusion, the hospitalization of a loved one can have a deep impact on them and their family. During difficult times, families should educate themselves as much as possible to minimize that initial shock when an update on your loved one’s condition is given. It’s also important that families engage their loved one while hospitalized through various things which helps ease the emotions they might have such as fear and anxiety. For families, it’s also crucial they continue to practice self-care and communicate their stress and relieve it. Lastly, emotional support is one of the greatest things you can do to comfort your hospitalized loved one. Being patient with them, making them feel in control, and making them feel at home are all ways to show support.
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