Tvisha VarmaContributing Author, Rightantra Adolescence and childhood are pivotal stages in the development of a child’s brain. However, these are also very vulnerable stages for children. In fact, nearly 1 in every 5 adolescent experiences damaging mental health issues. Just as you can avert your child from catching a cold or breaking a bone, you can prevent them from having mental health issues. We are all familiar with the aspects we have to take into consideration to keep a child physically healthy; nourishing food, exercise and immunisations. However, the basics for a good mental health aren’t always as defined. The foremost action to be taken is to understand that a child’s mental health is an extremely important part of their overall well being, and must be provided equal weightage as any physical requirement. Firstly, what is mental health? And why is there such a stigma associated with it? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health disorders in children are generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, appropriate behavior, social skills or regulation of emotions. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well. Having a good mental health is imperative at every stage of life, from childhood, to adolescence, through to adulthood. People with mental illnesses are often looked down upon and challenged. This is because society in general has stereotypes and prejudiced views about how the condition affects people. Conventional impressions of people who suffer from mental health disorders are that they are “dangerous”, “violent” and “mad”, when in fact they are more at risk of harming themselves or being attacked. Furthermore, parents themselves are often reluctant to seek help or support because they feel that their child will be ‘labelled’ and such labels may then negatively impact them in the future. In most cases, children also feel a lack of understanding from their parent’s end, and hence, don’t bother trying to tell them. Few who do tell their parents are normally dismissed as being ‘difficult’ or ‘attention seeking’. There are a myriad of factors that can lead to the development of mental health problems. For most youngsters there is a complicated combination of factors – although different people may be more deeply affected by certain things than others. Here are some factors that could negatively impact mental health: The factors above could lead to disorders such as; anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar, PTSD and eating disorders.
Parents, if you believe that your child may be undergoing any mental health issues, contact us and we will guide you towards the appropriate resources you require. Children and teenagers, if you believe you may be suffering from a mental health illness, we strongly recommend speaking to an adult you trust immediately. While such conversations may be difficult, it is important to remember that your parents and guardians are looking out for you and have your best interests at heart. After all, as Dumbledore aptly put it, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
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