A Growing Voice

Two Hong Kong-based psychologists are raising awareness of childhood anxiety exacerbated by the pandemic and finding ways to address it with their debut children's book, Bravery Grows

-  Rachel Duffell

"Incidences of anxiety disorders have been rising steadily since 2000; however, research is now showing that rates of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents have doubled since [the start of] the pandemic," says clinical psychologist Dr Melissa Giglio, who practises at Central Health Southside in Hong Kong. "Cases of selective mutism have always been high, even though little is known about it; however, we have noticed an increase in referrals likely related to the inconsistency of school." 

Selective mutism is not new. The anxiety-based disorder, which appears in early childhood and manifests as children withdrawing and being unable to speak in certain social situations, was identified over a century ago, but its increasing prevalence is cause for concern. Symptoms can also include avoiding eye contact, nervousness, clinginess or a sudden change when around other people, all behaviours that can impact children's ability to learn, ask questions, make friends and even cry out when hurt. While relatively unknown apart from among those diagnosed with it, awareness is essential as early detection and treatment are key. Selective mutism is not something that typically goes away on its own.