According to the surgeon general,
approximately one out of every five children has a diagnosable mental illness.
Children can develop the same mental
health conditions as adults, but their symptoms may be different.
Children, however, are developing mentally and
physically, and their behavior may be difficult to analyze. Actions such as
anxiety, anger, and shyness can be a part of developmental growth or a temporary
condition rather than an illness. When troubling behaviors occur over a period
of time or in a way that disrupts daily life, they are considered symptoms of a
disorder.
Studies have shown that these children, if left
untreated by a mental health professional, will likely to grow up and repeat
these same behaviors with their children.
Children need to have a good mental health status if
they are going to live up to their full potential and truly live a life that is
filled with positive experiences and the willingness to do what is best for
themselves and the people around them. Children with mental health issues will
have a difficult time acclimating to different situations.
Some children have to deal with a childhood that is
filled with angst, resentment, hatred, distrust, and constant negativity. They
have a difficult time coping with their emotions. Many children just naturally
feel depressed or have anxiety issues. When these issues are not dealt with in
the proper fashion, the children tend to have lower self-esteem and they
struggle in the educational environment.
Initial diagnosis is based on reports of behavior from
parents, caregivers, and teachers in order to understand how the child
functions in different situations. The following disorders
are common in childhood:
•
Anxiety
•
Attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
•
Eating
problems
•
Bathroom
issues
•
Feelings
of sadness, or moodiness
•
Disruptive
behaviour
•
Learning
disorders, such as dyslexia
•
Involuntary
movements , or tics
•
Schizophrenia,
or distorted thoughts and feelings
Some disorders begin in childhood and
continue into adolescence and adulthood. Others go away or improve with age,
and some begin later in life. Alarmingly, however, 70% of children and young
people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate
interventions at a sufficiently early age.
If they have a warm, open relationship
with their parents/caregivers, children will usually feel able to tell them if they are
troubled. One of the most important ways parents can help is to listen to them
and take their feelings seriously. They may want a hug, they may want you to
help them change something or they may want practical help.
Some tips for
parents:
- •
Be
aware of your child’s media use - TV, movies, Internet, gaming devices and
online games.
- •
Provide
time for physical activity, play, and family activities.
- •
Be
a role model by taking care of your own mental health: Talk about your
feelings. Make time for things you enjoy.
- •
Associate
no shame or fear with mental illness.
DISCLAIMER: All the information
being provided her has been sourced from the internet and books and some also
via personal experiences. It has no medical authentication per se so
suggestions if followed must be done in consultation with a trained mental
health professional.
References:
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