Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s mental health week takes place from 3-9 of February. Mental Health conditions in children often are defined as changes or delays in thinking, social skills, behaviors and also having control over their emotions. All these problems cause distress in children. Also these conditions disrupt their ability to act well at home, socialize, make friends and being active at school. Some of the symptoms that children have are: 

→ Anxiety

→ Worry

→ Fear 

→ Sadness

→ Depression 

→ Problems concerning food or body image

→ Extreme Anger and Aggression. 

Many Mental health disorders can begin in childhood and some in early childhood as well. Examples that are also shown in early childhood are 

 → Anxiety disorders

 → ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

 → Mood swings 

 → Eating disorders

 → PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). 

Some ways to help children with mental health issues are : 

Parent and mental health counselors should teach them how to relax, Talk to them about emotions, Support them through difficulties, Build positive routines, reduce stress together, be a positive role model, consider family counseling, remind them that they are loved, and create a safe space.

Looking after children with a mental health issue is not easy. Many parents find it helpful to speak to other parents which face the same difficulties as well. Parents also need to take care of themselves too. What we need to focus on as parents and as mental health counselors is that a child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support.