Paediatric Mental Health Disorder Post-Pandemic: Anxiety, Depression and the Role of Nurses in Early Identification and Counselling

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental health of children and adolescents, leading to a significant rise in anxiety and depression worldwide. Prolonged school closures, social isolation, and family stressors have disrupted emotional stability and psychosocial development among the paediatric population. This narrative review explores the prevalence of anxiety and depression in children during the post-pandemic period and highlights the essential role of nurses in early identification, counselling, and preventive interventions. Findings from global and Indian studies (2020–2025) reveal that 25–27% of children experience depression and 20–25% suffer from anxiety, with higher rates reported in urban regions such as Chennai. Contributing risk factors include social isolation, excessive digital exposure, family conflict, and reduced physical activity. Nurses play a crucial role in recognizing early signs through tools such as the Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS), while providing psychoeducation, emotional support, and school-based counselling. Strengthening nursing involvement in community and educational settings can facilitate early intervention, reduce psychological distress, and promote mental resilience among children and adolescents in the post-pandemic era.