Being mentally healthy during childhood refers to achieving developmental and emotional milestones and learning decent social skills. Children’s mental health, when sound, leads them to perform well at home, in school, and in their communities. Let us go through this article to guide you through various elements of children’s mental health.

You may have seen some children facing severe challenges in the manner they learn, behave, or handle their feelings, which lead to difficulties spending the day. Many of such children sometimes go through fears and anxieties or show disruptive behaviors. If signs are severe and continual and obstruct school, home, or play activities, the child could be mentally ill.

However, children’s mental health is not merely the absence of a mental disorder. There are certain cases wherein you cannot realise if the child is suffering from some mental disorder simply by looking at them. The child might always be worrying about performing well in school. Such thoughts might swarm around the child’s head and keep them up. Children not having a mental disorder might differ in how well they are doing from the children having the same diagnosed mental disorder. Their strengths and weaknesses in how they are developing and coping differ. 

What are some common childhood mental disorders?

Some of the common childhood mental disorders include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety (fears or worries), and behavioral disorders.

Certain childhood disorders and concerns that impact the way children learn, behave, or deal with their emotions can include learning and developmental disabilities, autism, and risk factors such as substance use and self-harm.

What are the signs of childhood mental disorders?

The signs of mental disorders vary over time as a child grows and may affect the way a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or deals with their emotions. The signs mostly are visible in early childhood. But, some disorders may evolve during adolescence. They are often diagnosed in the school years and sometimes earlier. However, some children suffering from a mental disorder may not be diagnosed as having one.

How can these childhood mental disorders be treated?

There are various treatment options based on the best medical knowledge. Parents and mental health specialists should work closely with everyone who is involved in the treatment of the child—the child’s teachers, therapists, and family members. Benefitting from all the resources available will enable parents, health specialists, and teachers to steer the child towards success. Timely diagnosis and applicable actions and services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children suffering from mental disorders.

Who is affected by mental disorders? What is the effect of mental disorders on children’s mental health?

Childhood mental disorders can affect boys and girls of all ages and ethnic or racial backgrounds. 

Mental disorders being chronic health conditions last very long. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, children suffering from mental disorders can have difficulties at home, in school, and in making friends. Mental disorders can also hinder a child’s healthy growth, resulting in problems that can go on to adulthood.

Public health encompasses mental health too.

Supporting children’s mental health involves ensuring that children reach developmental milestones, knowing what to do when there is a problem, supporting beneficial parenting strategies, and improving the reach to care.

What you can do?

If you’re a parent: 

You know your child the best. Talk to your children’s mental health specialist if you have issues regarding the way your child behaves at home, in school, or with friends.

Children's Mental Health

If you are young: 

It is as crucial to care for your mental health as it is to care for your physical health. If you are agitated, angry, nervous, worried, or sad, don’t hesitate and don’t be afraid to talk about your emotions and reach out to a trustworthy friend or adult.

If you’re a healthcare specialist:

Timely diagnosis and applicable treatment based on revised guidelines are extremely crucial. There are resources accessible to assist in diagnosing and treating children’s mental disorders.

If you’re a teacher or school administrator:

Timely identification is significant so that children can get the assistance they need. Work with families and children’s mental health specialists if you have issues about the mental health of a child in your school.

 

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