Nozaina: Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, behave, and manage your feelings. Mental health illness is also known as a mental health disorder. It is the change in your feelings, thinking, or behavior. In children, mental health conditions are defined as changes or delays in a child’s social skills, thinking, behaviors, or control over emotions. These issues disrupt the ability of children to perform well at school, at home, or other social circles. The prevalence of mental illness in children is a complex and concerning phenomenon. Approximately 70% of mental health issues have their onset in childhood. According to research, about 1 in 5 children worldwide experience mental health issues ranging from anxiety and depression to behavioral disorders like conduct disorder and ADHD. Socio-economic status, family dynamics, genetics, and environment can contribute to the progress of these problems. Other factors like academic demands, adverse experiences, societal pressure, and exposure to trauma further worsen mental health issues. Early detection and intervention are crucial to address these issues in the early stage for the well-being of children in later life.

Children show diverse feelings, actions, and tempers at different times that could be a part of their normal development. The signs and symptoms of mental illness in children are listed below:

* Changes to eating or sleeping habits

* Avoiding family and friends

* Getting lower marks in school

* Having repeated outbursts of anger

* Constantly worrying

* Have no concern with appearance

* Loss of weight

* Lacking motivation or energy

* Experience frequent mood swings

*  Getting stomachaches or headaches often

These characteristics and behaviors could be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder if they are interfering with the child’s life, inappropriate for his age, persist over a long time, and are intense. The most common disorders among children are anxiety, ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), schizophrenia, eating disorders, depression, and other mood disorders.

ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: It’s a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that impair functioning in numerous situations. As compared to other children of the same age, ADHD children may have difficulty following instructions, completing tasks, or focusing. They seem to be fidgety, restless, or excessively talkative. Environmental and genetic factors may be a cause, while the exact cause is unknown.

Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders are outsized worries or fears that are hard to control. These worries significantly disrupt their ability to take part in school, play, or social activities. Common types include separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Children with this disorder may experience headaches or stomachaches alongside psychological distress. Trauma, family conflict, brain chemistry imbalance, and genetic predisposition could be a cause.

Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a rare but severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, impaired social functioning, and disorganized thinking. It causes a person to lose touch with reality called psychosis. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, behavioral changes, and disruption in language and speech development. Environmental factors and genetic predisposition contribute to its onset. Its diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other developmental changes.

Eating Disorders: ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a common eating disorder in children. Children with this disorder may experience disturbance in their eating, which includes sensory aversion to certain foods or lack of interest in food. A child might oppose the texture of food they enjoyed once. They might fear getting stomach aches or vomiting if they become sick because of certain food. These restrictions and aversions may lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss. Pica is also common among children. A condition in which a child might eat non-nutritional or non-food substances persistently. These substances include hair, dirt, chalk, soap, ice, and sand.

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder: A neurological condition that seems in early childhood, often before age 3. Its symptoms range from mild to severe. Children with this disorder have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, and expressing themselves non-verbally or verbally. They often display repetitive movements. Despite challenges, numerous children with ASD possess unique abilities and qualities and contribute positively to society.

PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder): PTSD can develop in children after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, such as violence, abuse, or natural stress. Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of trauma, and negative changes in cognition and mood. Children may also exhibit irritability, regression in behavior, and difficulty concentrating. If PTSD is left untreated, it can impair emotional well-being, academic performance, and social relationships. Early intervention is crucial because children with proper support and treatment can learn coping skills and regain a sense of resilience and security.

Depression and Other Mood Disorders: Depression manifests as persistent irritability, sadness, or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Its symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep patterns and appetite. Children may express feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide or death may rise. Depression may stem from various factors including trauma, stressful life events, or genetic predisposition. Early interventions are crucial. If left untreated, they may lead to social withdrawal, academic struggles, and substance abuse. Children can learn coping skills with proper treatment. Bipolar disorder can result in big mood swings between depression and extreme emotional highs, which can cause unsafe or risky actions.

What Parents Can Do?

Learn about illness

Consider family counseling

Praise your child’s skills and strength

Speak to your child about your concern

Look for techniques to have fun and relax with your child

Look for ways to respond calmly and handle stress

Create a comfortable and supportive home environment

If you are worried about your child, listen to your instincts

Work with your child’s school to get the support your child needs

Let your child know you are always there and will help to solve challenging issues together

Ask a mental health professional for advice on how to handle a child’s tough behavior

Attend parent training programs that are designed for parents of children with mental illness

Early diagnosis and intervention of mental illness prevent further complications. With proper support and treatment, children learn coping skills.