Children, Information, Therapy

Childhood Mental Health and Therapy

Rahat Lookmanji

Children in today’s world face an inordinate amount of pressure and influences that can have an impact on their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Research has indicated that 7.5% – 12.5% of Indian children experience mental health-related concerns and illnesses. In fact according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, several mental health concerns have their onset in childhood, usually in one’s teenage years. It is not just adults who suffer and struggle with Depression and Anxiety, children do as well. Phobias and Eating Disorders are also common occurrences in young people. Learning difficulties and issues concentrating can also have an impact on their overall wellbeing.

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Children in today’s world face an inordinate amount of pressure and influences that can have an impact on their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Research has indicated that 7.5% – 12.5% of Indian children experience mental health-related concerns and illnesses. In fact according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, several mental health concerns have their onset in childhood, usually in one’s teenage years. It is not just adults who suffer and struggle with Depression and Anxiety, children do as well. Phobias and Eating Disorders are also common occurrences in young people. Learning difficulties and issues concentrating can also have an impact on their overall wellbeing.

Signs Your Child Needs Help

It can be difficult to understand if your child needs psychological intervention. Here are some of the signs to look out for:

  • Becoming withdrawn from friends and family
  • Having issues with sleep: Sleeping too much or too little
  • Drastic changes in appetite
  • Emotionally low
  • Slipping grades in school
  • Any signs of self-harm
  • Erratic behaviour
  • Exessive secrecy

Main Areas of Concrens for Children

Children – no matter the age – can develop problems with their behaviour. They may be acting out, become extremely upset when parents leave the house, have issues with authority and much more. Oftentimes, parents can feel at a loss, unsure how to cultivate a lasting change. Using tried and tested methods such as behavioural therapy, we work towards altering unwanted and unhealthy behaviours.

A child’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical health. It may be surprising to know that children can also develop mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety. It can also be extremely difficult with young children to get them to open up about what has caused them to feel this way. This is usually because they find it difficult to verbalise what they are experiencing. Through art and play as well as other therapeutic modalities, we can form a better understanding of a child’s emotional health and work towards improving it.

From approximately six to eighteen, a child spends a majority of their waking hours at full-day school. But aside from gaining an education, school is where our children form their identity, learn about relationships and formulate dreams for their futures. But school can also pose concerns, such as bullying, exam anxiety, addictions, peer pressure and learning difficulties.

The teen years are when many young people begin to develop romantic relationships. Difficulties with breakups and heartache can be extremely difficult for teens to process. The emotional tool can impact their overall mental health. Proving them with a safe and constructive place to work through these issues, is a core ideal of The Empathy Centre.

As adults, we can look back at moments in our lives and understand that they were painful and traumatic. Children who experience trauma see the lasting effects into adulthood. Trauma can involve abuse, – physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual – the death of a loved one, a childhood illness or being in an accident. These traumatic events can lead to behavioural problems, anxiety, depression, nightmares, poor school performance or withdrawal from family life. Treating trauma effectively can prevent or mitigate lasting psychological pain.

By the time a child is about fifteen years old, they are already trying to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. What they want to be when they grow up. In today’s world, the options are endless and the information can be confusing. Working with a counsellor, to help the child navigate through their options can provide clarity and a sense of security about their decisions. For more on Career Counselling, click here.

Published by Rahat Lookmanji

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