Gastro Outbreaks and Parental Anxiety: Coping with the Fear of Illness
We parents have many responsibilities to manage: getting the kids ready for school, childcare, work and household chores. Some days, everything seems to be going smoothly and you feel in control. There are moments, however, when an unexpected phone call or message can cause you to feel anxious and make your day take a drastic turn.
I received a message from a family member who asked how I was doing. I was in a hurry to get ready for the day. I knew that my family had gathered to celebrate an important occasion the night before. Eight adults and six children were laughing, chatting and enjoying one another’s company. Then, the situation took a bad turn.
I was frightened by the simple question: “Were you up all night like last time feeling sick or was it just a bad nightmare? “The word “Gastro” was mentioned. Then, all of a sudden, everything changed.
Gastroenteritis: The Fear of Gastro
The mere mention of “gastroenteritis”, or “gastro”, is enough to cause a feeling of fear for many. In my experience, the word “gastro” brings on a sense of panic. The fear is palpable if you have it or know someone with it.
Gastro refers to an extremely contagious disease, which is often caused by bacterial and viral infections of the digestive tract. It can strike suddenly and cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although I’m an adult and I understand that it is a normal part of life at times, it still causes me anxiety.
The events began in a very innocent way. During the dinner, no one displayed any signs of illness. As we continued our day, messages began to arrive. The first family member to become ill was followed by another and then a few others. It was like a scene out of the movie Contagious but real.
You’re constantly waiting, wondering “Who is next?” It will hit you. Will it hit your children?
This cycle of illness can cause fear and anxiety. Even though we do our best to control the situation, the feeling of foreboding always follows us. It lingers in the background and threatens to dominate our day. It is the worst nightmare of a parent, and one that we all know.
Preparation and Prevention of Gastro-Fear
There are ways to reduce the risk of spreading gastro. A seasoned healthcare provider gave me a simple, but very effective piece of advice: Wash your hands. It may sound simple, but washing your hands is incredibly important in households with children.
Hands should be washed with soap and water. One simple habit can stop the spread. It was made clear that if someone in your household is sick you should wash your hands thoroughly and avoid sharing food or utensils. You also need to dispose of any waste properly. This illness is contagious, but we can prevent it from spreading by taking these simple precautions.
A second recommendation was to quarantine those who have been sick for 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms subside. It may seem like a lot of time, but this is necessary to prevent the spread.
I waited nervously for three days to see what would happen next. Was I the next to get gastro? The thoughts of “what ifs” were endless, but I couldn’t do anything other than wait and watch. It was a family experience that included both care and concern. I realized there was also something more going on, something bigger than just illness. It was about managing our anxieties and fears.
The Impact of Childhood Fears on Parents
Not only gastro can cause fear and anxiety, but it’s also a normal part of growing. Fears are experienced by children at different stages in their lives. We as parents often walk with our children through these fears, comforting them and guiding them.
Separation anxiety is common in babies, particularly when they’re away from their parents. Toddlers can be afraid of dark situations or new things, while older kids may worry about harming them, such as being hurt or losing someone they love. Social anxiety is more prevalent in teenagers as they become more concerned about social interactions, pressures at school, and their perception by others.
It’s easy for parents to assume that fear is a normal part of child development. When these fears become overwhelming, we may need additional support. We must manage our fears about illness in the same way we do our own.
How to Help Children Cope with Fear
It can be difficult to support scared children, but there are ways that you can help them manage their feelings. Reassurance is the first step. Tell them that you’re there to protect and keep them safe. Simple phrases like “I am here” or “You are safe” can have a huge impact.
Separation anxiety in toddlers can be a real problem. Establish a routine for dropping them off at school or daycare. This will help them to understand that you’ll always be back. It helps to build trust and security.
Create a calming bedtime routine for your child if they are afraid of the darkness. This will help them to feel secure and calm. You could read stories to them or sing gentle songs as they drift to sleep.
Children who are worried about natural disasters or dangers in the real world, such as getting hurt or being injured, may benefit from talking to their parents. Let them talk about their fears and discuss the facts. Encourage them to overcome their fears gradually and congratulate them on their courage.
Help your child gradually face situations when fears intensify, like social anxiety or fear of judgement. Reassure them that mistakes are okay and they don’t define you. Praise their efforts to help them develop their confidence.
It is important not to cater to fear. If a child has a fear of dogs, for example, avoiding them will reinforce that fear. When your child experiences fear, stay calm and provide support. Provide comfort to your child as necessary.
Is my Child’s Fear Normal?
As children grow, their fears can change. As children mature, some of the fears that they had in their earlier development stages may be overcome. Some children will need additional support if their fear interferes with their everyday lives. When a child’s fear or anxiety prevents him from attending school, playing with others, or sleeping by himself, it is time to seek professional assistance.
It is not shameful to seek help if a child’s anxieties become unmanageable. You can get help from a child psychologist or healthcare professional on how to help your child overcome their fears.
Understanding Phobias
A phobia is an intense, irrational and persistent fear that interferes with the ability of a person to lead a normal lifestyle. Phobias are often triggered by certain objects, experiences, or situations. A child who has a fear of dogs might avoid any place where there are dogs, even if they pose a minimal threat.
Phobias manifest in many different ways, such as social anxiety, agoraphobia or specific phobias like fear of germs, heights or spiders. Phobias can lead to avoidance behavior that interferes with daily functioning.
A child may experience social anxiety if they are worried about their interactions with others and about being judged. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where it may be difficult to escape, such as being stuck in a crowded place or on public transport.
With the right support, phobias can be overcome. Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) help children overcome their fears in a controlled, gradual way. They can gain confidence and learn coping skills.
Conclusion
We often have to manage our anxiety while guiding our children through their fears. Fear of illness or gastroenteritis is only one of many challenges that we face. We can lessen the impact these fears have on our lives by preventing them, by understanding and supporting people. It’s important to recognize our children’s anxiety and encourage them to build resilience.
Parenting is about being there for our children, comforting them, and helping them through difficult times. As we do this, we learn to manage our fears and grow stronger.
