Children’s mental health is as important as an adult’s mental health. In looking at children's mental well-being, We consider their ability to be happy, safe, and confident as they learn and grow. Just like adults, sometimes children get sad, worried, or stressed. But sometimes, the feelings get too big and overwhelming, and the child cannot handle them by themselves anymore. This is when some extra help could make things better.
Helping kids cope with significant life changes, such as moving to a new school or going through a divorce in the family, is part of mental health. It also includes teaching about the expression of emotions in a safe way, either through talking about feelings or expressing them through creative activities.
Children can experience various mental health issues ranging from minor disturbances to more severe illnesses affecting their emotions and growth. Studies show that a large number of children suffer from Anxiety disorders which create persistent, excessive worry and fear of everyday things, which harm their usual way of doing things. There are different types of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, separation anxiety, social anxiety etc. Another commonly occurring mental health condition in children is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) results in difficulty focusing attention, impulsive actions, and hyperactive behaviour. Depression can cover them with continuous sadness, hopelessness, or withdrawal. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, can affect the way they socialize, communicate, and respond to sensory information, which later affects their perception and interaction with the world. Behavioral disorders, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, manifest in complex behaviors, defiance, or aggression towards family, friends, teachers etc. Moreover, trauma and stressor-related disorders result from the experience of or witnessing a traumatic event—either one or a few that collectively may pose a threat to an individual's sense of safety or well-being.
Sometimes, children also want to feel heard and understood so that they can be more expressive and able to regulate their emotions. Family and a mental health professional can play an important role in this, family can create a nurturing and supportive environment for the child whereas a Therapist or mental health professional can help them understand and express their emotions. It is important to identify early signs and symptoms to provide the right support and intervention.
Mental Health Issues in Children
Mental health conditions in children include developmental disorders such as autism; behavioral disorders such as ADHD; mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder; anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia and social phobia; schizophrenia syndromes or psychosis; and personality changes due to a general medical condition. Keep in mind that all children are different, so their mental health symptoms might not be like those of other kids. The earlier a child's mental health needs are identified, the earlier intervention and support can be provided, and the greater the benefits for their overall well-being. It is important to have the help of trained mental health care professionals to help in diagnosis and making plans for treatment with social anxiety disorder.
Anxiety & Depressive Disorders: Anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental health problems that children face. Most common of them is excessive worry, fear, phobias, changes in appetite or sleep, irritability, and recurrent thoughts of death, including suicidal ideation.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is said to be a neurodevelopmental disorder, that also affecting each of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. This causes difficulties in children with ADHD to focus, remain seated, follow instructions and control their emotions, affecting their performance in studies and social relations.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is a developmental disorder that interferes with social interaction, communication, and behavior. The social cognition of a child who has ASD can be described as dysfunctional, characterized by difficulty recognizing social cues, creating relationships, and participating in imaginative play.
Trauma-related Disorders: Children who have endured trauma, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, or who have witnessed a traumatic event, may go on to develop one of several trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding reminders of the trauma, being on edge all the time, frequently experiencing irritation/anger, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and difficulties in attachment with caregivers as seen in Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD); and a predisposition to re-enact the trauma.
Eating Disorders: Eating disorders can affect children and adolescents and may include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Their eating patterns are not normal; they often have a distorted body image and an obsession with weight or food.
Parenting Tips
Children rely heavily on parents and other caregivers to help them cope with emotional problems, regulate behavior, and manage emotions. By offering encouraging words, expressing affection and respect, and creating a feeling of safety, they fulfil this role.
1. Recognize what your child is good at. This boosts their self-esteem and gives them the confidence to handle challenges. Children are more open to learning and correcting their behaviour when they feel respected.
2. Rewarding and praising your child works better than punishing them. Focus on their strengths and help them grow. Encouragement helps children develop skills to overcome their weaknesses.
3. Stay calm and avoid anger, sarcasm, and ridicule. Negative reactions can make control issues worse. Use gentle reminders to help your child stay focused.
4. Don’t compare your children. Favoritism can create lifelong sibling rivalry and family problems. Ensure each child knows they are equally loved.
5. Seek help if you need it. Parenting can be challenging. Accepting the ups and downs and getting professional advice when required can help you stay sane and enjoy raising your children.
6. Monitor internet and digital use- In today’s society, social media plays an important role in a child’s development. Their worldviews are formed by the content they consume. Moreover, social media can be toxic and dangerous as well, which can impact their self-esteem as well.
7. Children crave positive attention. Positive regard is crucial in forming high self-esteem. Without it, they might act out to get negative attention, as it’s better than being ignored. Always communicate with your child. Love and care are the best remedies.
The restoration of a balance between love, structure, and guidance is key for effective parenting. When parents promote an environment of open communication, a dependable routine for day-to-day life, independence, and nurturing emotional intelligence (EI), maintaining well-being, in conjunction with encouraging a growth mindset, a strong relationship can be built between parent and child. This provides the support children need to grow into themselves as they develop their own identity over time. Each child is different, so tailor these tips to your child as it fits.
Parenting a child is a lifelong process and the parents have to modify their behaviour depending on each child’s needs. Behavioural issues in children can benefit from tailored parenting techniques and we at Anvaya Healthcare, have a trained and qualified team of professionals like child psychiatrists and counseling psychologists for children and adolescents.
