Mental Health In Kids

Mental health encompasses our overall well-being, influencing our thinking, feeling, and acting. When we have good mental health, we are able to think positively, feel confident, and respond calmly. For children, mental health maintains a complex interactive relationship with their ability to reach developmental and emotional milestones, including coping with problems and social skills.

1 of every five children has a diagnosable mental health condition, while only less than 20% of children receive the appropriate treatment regarding their mental health (Mental Health Commission, 2017). Parents and caregivers need to promote good mental health but also to learn about the early signs of mental health problems. Childhood growth involves constant changes challenging the ability to detect mental health conditions. Children are not able to express how they feel. Knowledge and recognition of mental health problems among children serves to provide greater support and access to mental health services.

Common Mental health problems

Common mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), eating disorders, depression, and other learning disabilities (Waddell, 2014).

Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are constantly consumed by worry. Worries can include school, such as homework, peers, and performance, while also worrying about family, getting hurt, the future, and much more. These worries can disrupt abilities to engage in socializing and school activities. This can include separation anxiety and social anxiety (Waddell, 2014).

ADHD. ADHD precludes difficulty maintaining attention, controlling impulses, and over-activity (Waddell, 2014).

ASD. ASD varies among individuals, and children have different ways of learning, communicating, moving, and paying attention, which are caused by neurological differences and conditions varied across a spectrum (Waddell, 2014).

Eating disorders. Eating disorders are part of a form of disorder thinking with an unhealthy focus on the ideal body type resulting in an engagement with dieting habits, including anorexia nervous, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (Waddell, 2014).

Depression. Depression includes persistent feelings of sadness and low and irritable mood with a loss of interest in activities (Waddell, 2014).

Supporting Children’s Mental Health

Building strong and caring relationships with children can help to nurture their mental health. A support system with significant people develops resilience, and they know they have someone to turn to for help. Self-esteem is pivotal in helping children feel good about themselves. Caregivers, parents, and other important members of the child can develop self-esteem through acceptance, praise when they do well, recognition for their efforts, setting realistic goals, and inquiry about their interests. Encouraging children to talk about their feelings by listening and respecting their emotions. Developing a conversation with children can build a safe and positive environment.

Signs of Mental Health Struggles

Mental health manifests differently in each child. Some signs to look out for are changes in the way they think, act, and feel, as well as physical changes.

Ask yourself:

  •  Are there changes in thinking, such as saying more negative evaluations?

  •  Is the child experiencing trouble concentrating?

  •  Has the child’s performance in school changed?

  •  Is the child more irritable, unhappy, sad, or angry?

  •  Does the child have enhanced reactions that appear more significant than the situation?

  •  Is the child having trouble getting along with friends?

  •  Is the child wanting to be alone?

  •  Is the child being quieter than usual?

  •  Is the child experiencing headaches or tummy aches?

  •  Is the child experiencing a lack of energy or too much energy?

For further support concerning children’s mental health, the team at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy has therapists such as Karen, who are experienced in supporting children’s mental health concerns.

https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/what-we-do/children-and-youth

Waddell, C., Shepherd, C., Schwartz, C., and Barican, J. (2014). Child and Youth mental

Disorders: Prevalence and Evidence-Based Interventions. Children’s Health Policy Centre.

Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy