Supporting children’s mental health through collective uncertainty
Change is hard for any child, but what happens when that change involves national policy and community-wide uncertainty? The fact is, "collective fear" impacts the neurodevelopment of our youngest members of society.
Anyone who has small children or works with them will know that they often struggle to deal with change. We can see this with even the smallest shifts in what they’re used to – changes that almost appear banal to us as adults.
As the Child Mind Institute says, “Dealing with change is often difficult for children, even if the change is just leaving the playground for the day or switching from art to math in school.” The child’s ability to deal with these changes will vary, with children who have ADHD, anxiety, or other developmental disorders struggling more than others.
This begs the question: if children frequently struggle with even small disruptions to their routines, what happens when something that is traumatic even for an adult happens?
Living through times of change
In today’s political landscape, many families are finding that their lives are being uprooted, whether through war, economic privations, or changes in national policy. The simple fact is, when a decision is made at a national level, it will affect children caught up in this wave of change.
One recent example of this is Liam Ramos, a five-year-old boy who was detained and “sent over 1,000 miles from his home in Minneapolis to the massive family detention center in Dilley, Texas.” While he is home safe now, an experience of this kind is likely to leave a mark on his mental health for years to come.
In fact, reports from those who visited Liam in Dilley described a child who had become despondent, refusing to eat and sleeping for excessive hours – classic signs of a young nervous system shutting down under the weight of "toxic stress."
The fundamental need for safety
The case of Liam Ramos demonstrates how systemic actions can disrupt a child’s neurodevelopmental home base. How can you begin to help a child in such circumstances?
Daisy Gómez, LCPC, therapist and founder of Encuéntrate Counseling & Consulting, notes that when a child’s world is upended, the solution must begin with a commitment to being present. "In uncertain times, children look to adults to feel safe," Gómez explains. "Parents can ease anxiety by consistently reassuring them they are loved, protected, and supported. Identify safe adults and caregivers for your child and remind them of this support."
How children process collective fear
Liam’s case is the extreme where the worst fears of the parents have become a reality. But the “reality” doesn’t necessarily have to happen to still have an effect on the child. Children are sponges, soaking up everything around them – and this can lead to something called “collective fear”.
Some hallmarks of this are:
Behavioral regression: Therapists observe that children begin experiencing significant mood and behavior changes. Often, this is because they are "taking their cues" from the scared adults in their lives, leading to a loss of daily routine.
Hypervigilance in the classroom: Therapists note that it is difficult for children to focus on learning when they are "watching out the window" or seeing classmates cry or go missing.
The loss of "world framing": Children rely on adults to make sense of the world. When that world feels unpredictable, they may experience "despair and hopelessness". One therapist noted that "safety doesn’t mean the absence of fear, it means the presence of connection".
Gómez adds to this, pointing out that these stressors often manifest in ways that adults might overlook. "Children may show fear, worry, or confusion through questions, behavior changes, art, or play," she says. She urges adults to engage in "honest, age-appropriate conversations," reminding us that "there is no ‘right’ way for a child to feel during times like this. Allow them to express their feelings and validate their emotions."
The emotional toll on adults
While the trauma that the child experiences should be front and center of our thoughts, it goes without saying that the emotional toll on those near to the children can also be extreme.
Front-line professionals – including even attorneys and journalists – experience "vicarious trauma" and "moral injury" at rates often exceeding those of emergency room doctors. When those tasked with defense and reporting are under such strain, the community’s collective trauma deepens.
This pressure places an unprecedented burden on parents, who must serve as the primary source of stability. To offer a "steady presence," parents must first address their own emotional health.
As Daisy Gómez notes: "Parents should also care for themselves. Children are sensitive to adults’ emotional states. By managing their stress and seeking support, parents can offer the calm, steady presence children need." By prioritizing self-care, parents aren't just managing their own anxiety; they are protecting the emotional foundation their children rely on to feel safe.
Finding support to protect your loved ones
Ultimately, healing is often found within the roots of the family itself. Daisy Gómez suggests that families can "lean into cultural traditions, community, and practices that remind children that they come from resilient families who have overcome challenges before. This can foster hope, connection, and comfort."
In Illinois, several organizations provide the specialized support necessary to navigate these challenges. For immediate crisis support and legal referrals, the ICIRR Family Support Hotline (1-855-435-7693) serves families facing enforcement actions.
For trauma-informed clinical care, the Lurie Children’s Hospital Center for Childhood Resilience offers resources on Psychological First Aid. Additionally, Daisy Gómez’s Encuéntrate Counseling & Consulting provides culturally affirming therapy specifically for bicultural families. By connecting with these local networks, parents can move from a place of isolation to a shared community of strength, ensuring their children feel protected not just by policy, but by people.
For anything else, please contact us at MHAI directly for advice or support.
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