Overview

Mental health in children refers to a state of emotional, psychological and social well-being in children. A compromise in any of these values results to a mental health disorder, and may affect how children grow into well-adjusted healthy, right-thinking and well-behaved adults. The mental status of a child determines how they think, feel, and behave, and plays an important role in how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health in children is a topic that most parents underplay and misconstrue. For example, eating disorders, which are classified by the World Health Organisation as a mental health disorder, are often misconstrued and ignored by many parents, as ""picky eating"" which may turn out to have significant physical and psychological consequences in the life of a child. Mood disorders are also being misconstrued and misunderstood by parents. Major depressive disorder causes persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities, but may be lightly dismissed by the unlearned parent, even though it is having a negative effect on academic learning and overall development of the child. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is characterised by severe, irrational and recurrent temper outbursts which are often mistaken for misbehaviour. This lack of understanding and ignorance about mental health issues in children has made the condition to flourish in the lives of many children all over the world. However, the foundation of a good mental health in children is built in the early childhood years, and parents should watch out for these hidden problems, and find solutions to them, laying a good foundation for the mental health of their children. There are factors that may influence the mental health status of a child. These include biological factors, environmental factors, social factors, and educational factors. Genetics, brain development and your physical health all affect your mental health status, as well as socio-economic status, exposure to trauma and stress, with family dynamics. Influence of friends on your life, cultural expectations and bullying are all relevant. The child stays for eight or more hours in school daily, and the academic pressures, teacher behaviour, and the support available in the school environment all affect the mental health of a child. Mental health interventions in children are hence aimed at equipping children to handle stress and adapt to life's changes, and foster positive relationships and social skills. There is also a need to support academic and extracurricular pursuits, preventing and addressing mental health issues early. Early recognition, and intervention are necessary to facilitate growing up with the skills and resilience that will help them to live happy and fulfilling lives.

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