Mental Health Should Be Monitored Since Childhood

Mental Health should be monitored since Childhood

Mental health problems begin at the early age of fourteen without any symptoms. To detect difficulties in early age may prevent the development of mental disorders at adulthood. If a mental problem develops it is difficult to treat the child’s mental as well as emotional behavior.

The mental disorders which affect children are anxiety disorders, ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, eating problems and schizophrenia.

Every child’s development varies normally i.e. when they learn languages, social skills, etc and their many factors which cause behavioral problems at a young age. Some may be temporarily behavior change or some associated with serious health problems.

• So pay special attention to your child’s behavior at school, home or even when they are with playmates.
• If there is any change in appetite or sleep talk to a doctor.
• Avoiding social gatherings with other children or fearful behavior towards other children.
• Bed-wetting even after grown-up
• If your child remains upset or sad always.
• If the child often hurts themselves i.e. self-destructive behaviors.
• Thoughts of death
• Always remember to be careful about your child’s mental, emotional or behavioural changes and if any behavioural change persists longer than a month then consult a child specialist.
• Before confirming a mental disorder a doctor must go through the history of signs and symptoms, time period of behavioural change, family history and make assure that whether the child is doing the activities is either due to stress, mental trauma or due to some other reasons.
• Take reports from teachers, parents, playmates and caretakers before starting any treatment as young children are not able to express their feelings properly so diagnosing the mental disorder is very difficult in them.
• Some mental disorders are due to stress and no needs any treatments but some are serious and needs regular monitoring and treatment and with time with the help of professionals, children gets better if treatment starts at early age.
• Treatment procedure may be psychotherapy or medications and it depends on the child’s illness. Psychotropic medications affect brain chemicals which are related to mood and behaviour.
• Some other psychosocial therapies are also available i.e. talk therapies or behavioural therapy which helps the child to overcome from mental illness, anxiety or depression by sharing their feelings with others.
• Young children response better and faster than adults and older children as their brain develop rapidly. A doctor should avoid the drug interactions which cause serious side effects and after going through the condition he should decide which treatment is necessary.
• Mental disorders children’s or children’s with disabilities are eligible for special education i.e. free appropriate public education.
• Parents must learn how to handle the behavioral problems of their children. They should learn or take training from therapists to handle difficult situations and also for managing stress or reduce the frustrations of their child.