Mental Health in Children – Why It Matters

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Children’s Mental Health
3. The Importance of Mental Health in Children
4. Common Childhood Mental Health Disorders
5. Recognising Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children
6. Promoting Good Mental Health in Children
7. Seeking Help for Children’s Mental Health Concerns
8. Conclusion

Introduction

As parents, we often check on our children’s physical state – height, nutrition and overall physical health. But how often do we give a thought about their state of mental health? The area of children’s mental health is complex for people to grasp and talk about. This blog intends to help you understand children’s mental health and how to promote their well-being. You will also understand the importance of children, how to make your home a nurturing place, and about the stages of your child’s emotional growth.

Understanding children’s mental health

Why is good mental health important in children? Children’s mental health can be defined as their emotional, psychological, and social health. Mental health influences how children experience and regulate stress, engage with other people, and make decisions. Like most aspects of the human body, it is imperative that a balance for a child’s mental health is also maintained.

The Importance of mental health in children

The importance of mental health in children cannot be overstated. Good mental health is essential in children for several reasons:

• It supports the healthy thinking and emotional skills of students.
• It helps children develop positive attitudes in relationships with peers and grown-ups.
• It assists in academic achievements and learning skills.
• It assists children in making the right decisions and developing resilience.
• It aids physical strength and fitness of the body.

When children are mentally healthy, they can handle difficulties, express their emotions properly, and become responsible members of society.

Common Childhood Mental Health Disorders

As with any age, it is common for children to have a few mental or behavioural issues occasionally. However, some symptoms are more persistent in mental disorders in children. Some common childhood disorders include:

1. Anxiety disorders: Extreme anxiety or uneasiness that stops children from doing their activities and interacting with other people.
2. Depression: Abnormal low mood, which is frequent and lasts for a long time, interferes with the normal functioning of the child.
3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Inattentiveness, trouble organising tasks, impulsive behaviours and actions, or being more energetic than other children interrupt the child’s daily routines.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Impairments in social interactions, play, communication, and other aspects of behaviour that are not exclusive to one setting only.
5. Eating disorders: Unhealthy attitudes and behaviours related to food and body image that impact physical and emotional health.
6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts or ideas that the child cannot help having and rituals or behaviours that the child feels driven to carry out.

Knowledge of these disorders in children will help parents and teachers who notice signs of these problems and seek appropriate help from a specialist.

Recognising Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children

Recognising mental disorders in children can be challenging, as they might have difficulty expressing emotions. However, there are some signs to watch out for:

1. 1.Behavioural Changes
• Immediate and quick mood swings that are not common for your child.
• Isolation from family, friends, or activities they once liked.
• More irritability, anger, or aggression, especially if your child has not displayed them before.
• Noticeable changes in behaviour or personality. These behavioural changes are necessary to understand the importance of mental health in children.
2. Changes in School Performance
• A sudden drop in academic performance
• Difficulty focusing or finishing tasks.
• Absenteeism or constant complaints of physical symptoms to avoid school.

Understanding changes in school performances is necessary to understand the importance of mental health in students.

3. Physical Symptoms
• Fluctuations in sleep behaviours: inability to sleep, nightmares, or increased sleeping.
• Sudden changes in eating habits: unexplainable weight gain or loss.
• Physical complaints without reason, like headaches or stomach aches.
   Recognising these physical symptoms is necessary to understand the importance of mental health in students.
4. Social Interaction Issues
• It is challenging to make or maintain friendships.
• Social isolation or prefer to be alone most of the time.
• Increased fear or anxiety that disrupts daily activities.
  
   Identifying these social interaction issues is necessary to understand the importance of mental health in students.
5. Emotional Indicators
• Continuous crying, sadness, or feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of not being valued or excessive guilt.
• Self-harm or talking about death or suicide. As parents, you must take this sign very seriously.
  
  Being aware of emotional signs is necessary to understand the importance of mental health in students.
6. Developmental Concerns
• Loss of previously acquired skills like speaking language or toileting.
• Delayed speech or motor skills when compared with peers. Knowing developmental stages is necessary to understand the importance of mental health disorders in students.
7. Changes in Routine or Habits
• Obsessive behaviours or rituals that disrupt daily living.
• Hyperactivity includes extra energy, fidgeting, or inability to remain still.
8. Communication Problems
• Difficulty stating emotions or needs.
• Changes in language use. Children might speak less, use different words or change their tone. Identifying these communication problems is necessary to understand the importance of mental health problems in students.  

Kindly note to consult a professional if you find your child routinely experiencing the mentioned signs.

Promoting Good Mental Health in Children

It is important to understand that parents and educators are directly responsible for children’s mental well-being. Here are some strategies to promote good mental health:

1. Foster open communication: Let children express what they wish to convey regarding any issue they are concerned with.
2. Provide a stable and secure environment: Create a safe environment for children to express their concerns and feelings when necessary.
3. Promote physical health: It is important that children are allowed to adequately rest, play, and eat healthy foods.
4. Teach coping skills: Teach resilience and coping skills to children to handle strains and stresses in life.
5. Encourage positive relationships: Help the children build good interpersonal relationships with the rest of the family and with their friends.
6. Limit screen time:  These days, most children suffer from the counterproductive effects of screen time on their well-being. As parents, ensure appropriate measures are taken to limit children’s screen time.
7. Lead by example: Encourage the positive and appropriate modes of dealing with the self and the mind.

Seeking Help for Children’s Mental Health Concerns

If you see signs of mental health issues in your child, seek professional help immediately.  The provision of services as early as childhood can significantly improve the treatment of mental disorders in children. Options for support include:

• School counsellors or psychologists
• Child psychologists or psychiatrists
• Family therapists
• Mental health clinics specialising in children’s care

Always ask for assistance; it is a mark of courage and not a sign of frailty. It shows interest in your child and their future.

Conclusion

A proper approach and care for children’s mental health is vital for a child’s further function and success. Acknowledging the importance of mental health in children allows parents to build conditions for personality development that would help them thrive.

At Centre Point School Nagpur, we constantly take actions to promote the mental well-being of the students. It is our goal to create an environment where the children can get the help they need and learn methods that will allow them to deal successfully with problems they face in life with emotional strength.

Remember, each child is unique, and there are no two children with similar paths concerning mental issues. Therefore, children’s mental health requires special attention, discussions, personal concern, and parents’ support towards seeking appropriate help.