TONY LINGIAH
Worldwide, 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental ill-health and psychological distress at one time or another.
Half of all illness in mental health begin by the age of 14…. If untreated, these conditions severely influence children’s development, their educational attainments and productive lives.
A mental health disorder or psychological crisis can be a terrible thing to live through, no matter what age. Unlike adults, children however often lack the awareness, coping abilities and resources to acquire treatment.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that as many as two in ten children suffer from a mental health disorder. This is compounded by social and family dislocation, disintegration of the family unit, family trauma, toxic relationships of parents and wars.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the five most common mental disorders for children from age 3 to 17 years are:
• Attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) 6.8%
• Anxiety States 3%
• Depression 2.1%
• Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorder 1.1%
• Self-Harming Behaviour & Eating disorders
Suicide, according to CDC, “can result from the interaction of mental health problems and other factors’’, it being the second leading cause of death in adolescents. Self-harming behaviour during the Covid pandemic and post-Covid is alarmingly rising in this age group.
There tends to be some commonality between young people who suffer mental health problems. As such, there are distinctive signs of mental health disorder in children and adolescents, as follows:
1.They are more aggravated. Children, just like adults become stressed and aggravated leading to conflict and anger. In most cases, childhood aggravation is triggered by difficulties at school or peer pressure. Noticeably intensified aggravation may stem from an underlying mental health disorder and may be evidenced in them making excuses to avoid attendance at school and to study. Their ‘nerves’ may trigger headaches, stomach issues and other ailments and may evidence as psycho-somatic disorder in some individuals. Children who appear aggravated and withdrawn may be experiencing bullying and harassment or issues with peers. This is quite possibly becoming a significant contributing factor in school-aged children today. Parents should be equipped to explore and manage this behaviour collaboratively with the child’s school.
2.They are increasingly anxious. Childhood is supposed to be a relatively carefree time in one’s life, and lifelong good and happy memories are usually made during this period. When a child starts displaying anxious behaviours, it may be a cause for concern. Parents and teachers must work collaboratively to explore the issues at the earliest opportunity and restore balance.
3.They are depressed or withdrawn. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (USA) reports that one in five teens experience a bout of depression, 8% suffer a major depressive disorder (MDD). Dr Charles Raison, a professor of psychiatry at The University of Arizona College of Medicine provides simple and straight forward advice:
« I think you should start worrying…anytime there is enough of a change you notice in your child and your gut feelings tell you ‘Oh my God, they don’t seem like themselves.’’
Raison recommends that parents intervene should their child display depressive or withdrawn behaviour for longer than 2-3 weeks. It is also common for children suffering from depression to suffer dramatic changes in sleeping patterns along with changes in eating habits and socialisation.
4.They are abusing alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse research shows a direct causal relationship between mental health disorders and drug abuse. Research estimates that approximately 70% of ‘high school’ children in America have tried alcohol, 40% have smoked or used tobacco and 20% have an ongoing prescription drug addiction. It would be interesting to have a comparative study in our country. All of the above mentioned (and other) substances are especially dangerous when combined with mental health problems. Abusing drugs or alcohol may become a ‘go to’ coping mechanism and drastically increases the risk of deteriorating health and drug induced psychosis or even death.
5.Their performance is affected. We are inundated with messages about success – in school, in a profession, in parenting, in relationships, in acquiring material goods – without appreciating that successful performance rests on a foundation of good mental health. Mental impairment always negatively affects performance. Considering the lack of resources and service provision for this specific group, the negative repercussions on the individual, the family and society cannot be underestimated. Academic issues resulting from mental illness include:
• Frequent absenteeism
• Poor self esteem
• Difficulties with concentration
• Poor educational performance
• Discipline issues at school
• Dysfunctional relationships
Getting Help
Early detection and intervention of childhood mental health problems and access to appropriate services are crucial. Studies show that prompt intervention and treatment leads to alleviation of symptoms and improvement in performance. Most importantly, appropriate treatment can spare the child or adolescent – and their loved ones – unnecessary pain and suffering.
A sensitive and compassionate approach from parents and professionals is key to a healthy working relationship and a non-judgmental attitude is crucial to gain the trust and respect of the suffering child or adolescent and help regain and maintain his/her health and wellbeing.
‘Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful magical human on the earth, for what they believe is what they become.’ (Brooke Hampton)