This Is What One Can Do To Identify & Take Care Of A Child's Mental Health

The focus on mental health has increased, and people are taking it more seriously than ever nowadays. But mental health problems are not only restricted to adults; they are something that children also deal with regularly nowadays. Why children are dealing with mental health disorders at such a young age is something that needs to be looked at, but thankfully, people are making sure it is not ignored.

Children's mental health

Times are changing, and with that being said, children nowadays are learning and gaining knowledge about the world and surroundings much more easily than before. They have access to a plethora of entertainment thanks to the rise in technology and added screen time.

As per research by the National Library of Medicine titled 'Clinical and psychological effects of excessive screen time on children', it was noted that there can be an increased risk for developmental delays in language acquisition and communication skills in young children who are spending more time on their screens, which is 2-3 hours a day or more.

Sachu Ramalingam, Lead of the Centre for Well-Being at Lighthouse Learning, has also explained how intervening in mental health problems among children is also pretty important. She added a study highlighting the importance of a child's mental health. "According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), globally, 13% of adolescents aged 10 to 19 grapple with a mental disorder, constituting one out of every seven individuals within this age bracket. Depression, anxiety, behavioural disorders, and ever-rising self-harm due to severe emotional distress rank as the primary contributors affecting the adolescent population¡¯s well-being. In young children in preschool and primary school, there is a rise in behavioural issues such as aggression, anger issues, and throwing tantrums.

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Measures to take care of children's mental health

When it comes to taking care of children's mental health, there are a few measures that can be taken into consideration. Some of these measures include the following:

By overcoming the stigma

The most important aspect of addressing mental disorders is to first acknowledge that there is a problem. One needs to advocate for the same to make people understand that there is actually a problem. "When we openly advocate for and implement early interventions, we send a clear message that seeking help is an act of strength and not weakness. This shift in perspective paves the way for a compassionate society where children can grow and thrive without fear of judgment. As we redefine our perspectives and prioritise children's mental well-being, we contribute to dismantling the walls of silence and building understanding, acceptance, and support," says Sachu.

Noticing the signs among children

Children have different ways of showing and revealing how they are going through a mental health crisis. The best option here is to notice these small signs that indicate any problem. "Whether they're playing or learning, parents, carers, and teachers should pay attention to these signs, as they might indicate the presence of mental health issues. Noticing these signs early on is really important because it helps kids get the right help at the right time, which can make a big difference in their overall mental health in the long run," adds Sachu Ramalingam.

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Take note of social and behavioural indicators

While small signs can indicate problems, there are other very important indicators that are subtle signs of mental health problems. Sachu indicates, "Common behavioural signs include abrupt changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels. An unusual display of emotions or sudden aggression might also hint at underlying struggles. Emotional manifestations, such as frequent mood swings, crying, excessive worrying, screaming, or persistent sadness, can also help point to a mental illness. All of these signs can help one understand the child¡¯s mental state."

Creating a nurturing environment

As per Sachu, "creating a nurturing and supportive environment, including open and friendly communication between parents and their children, doesn't stop with professional involvement. It extends into home and school, where a harmonious setting fosters emotional growth. This collaboration empowers children to overcome challenges and develop into emotionally resilient individuals."

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Things not to do when intervening with children's mental health

Children generally tend to observe everything around them and pick up negativity very easily. As per Sachu, here are some of the behaviours that should not be done in front of children that can help with their better mental health.

- Do not use foul language while communicating with anyone, including your spouse or friends, on the phone, or while driving in the presence of your children.

- Do not set different parameters for what you preach to the children; practice yourself.

- Do not use emotional threats to follow your instructions. Do not say yes to every demand of the child. Help them understand the significance of their wants and needs.

- Don¡¯t shout or yell at the child. Instead, be firm with a calm voice. Do not fight with your spouse or other family members in front of the child. This leads to a lot of insecurity.

- If parents are undergoing a separation, do not impose your sad story or use your child as a vent-out channel.

- If going through a separation process, don¡¯t paint the spouse in a bad light.

- Do not encourage the intake of junk foods.

- Don¡¯t play a video to make children eat within the limited time you have to feed them, and give the same instructions to the caretaker when you are not there. Instead, read out storybooks or tell stories while feeding your children.

- Don¡¯t embarrass your children or compare them with their peers, and expect very high performance beyond the child¡¯s capacity.

- Don¡¯t invest in expensive gadgets to show your love to them. Encourage them to find happiness in the smallest things, like reading a book, visiting the orphanage, etc.

- Don¡¯t say, ¡°I am busy,¡± when your child needs you. Parents must keep themselves available to listen to their children.

- Don¡¯t take children to only malls, movies, or gaming studios. Take them to meet other families, relatives, friends, parks, grandparents, etc. This social development and rooting are the most critical needs of the hour.

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Recognising and understanding the early stages of the deterioration of the mental health of children can only help in making them feel better about their surroundings and letting them thrive.