Are kids also at risk of mental health issues?
“He’s just going through a stage.”
“It’s puberty and all those hormones.”
“She’s just being a dramatic preteen.”
The sobering truth is that sometimes, it’s not just a phase, not just your child acting out – it could be the real onset of a mental health condition.
Yes, even children are at risk of mental health problems. The worrying part is that when these conditions emerge in childhood – and are not dealt with – they may carry over into adulthood.
Typical conditions that can affect children:
- Children may experience excessive worry, fear, or uneasiness that can interfere with their daily activities.
- Depressive symptoms, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, changes in appetite or sleep patterns and low self-esteem.
- ADHD: characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impact your child's ability to focus and regulate their behaviour.
- Children with autism spectrum disorders often have difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours.
- Children with conduct disorders may be aggressive and antisocial, disregard rules and lack empathy or remorse.
- Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder can affect children and adolescents, leading to abnormal eating patterns and negative body image.
Why are children at risk?
Just as some kids inherit physical traits from their parents, they can also inherit a predisposition to certain mental health conditions. It's similar to how you might inherit your dad’s eye colour or mom’s hair type. Some children may have a genetic tendency that makes them more susceptible to developing mental health issues.
Emotional challenges affect us all – kids included. Sometimes, children go through difficult experiences or face challenges that can impact their mental wellbeing. These challenges often include dealing with bullying, experiencing loss or trauma, or facing family problems.
We can’t discount the immense stress and pressure that modern kids face. From increasing levels of schoolwork to incessant social media messaging, family expectations and their own self-esteem – children are more stressed than ever.
Human beings are by nature, social creatures, and children need healthy relationships and connections to thrive. When children struggle with social interactions, such as making friends or feeling excluded, it can have a negative impact on their mental health. Loneliness and social isolation can contribute to feelings of sadness or anxiety.
Growing up involves navigating various stages of development and it can be challenging at times. Children go through physical, emotional, and cognitive changes as they mature. These changes can sometimes cause stress or confusion, and if they struggle to adapt to these changes, it can impact their mental wellbeing.
What you can do to help your child
Remember, mental health issues can affect anyone, including children. It's essential to be supportive, understanding and observant of your child's emotional wellbeing. If you notice persistent changes in their behaviour, mood, or ability to function, it's necessary to get help from a professional childcare specialist. Don’t assume that you can “fix” your child. Ask for and get help.
Pay attention to the content your child is exposed to through media and technology. Set appropriate limits on screen time and encourage activities that focus on physical activity and face-to-face interactions. Be mindful of the potential negative impact of cyberbullying or excessive social media use.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.