You must be an adult if you are interested in reading this article. There are times when it can be difficult to show your child your love or find the best way to help him or her. Your child may be exhibiting behavior that surprises, annoys, or frightens you. Some of this type of behavior may be normal consequences of development and growth. If you want to learn more about children's mental health, continue reading this article.
What Does Mental Health Mean?
Mental health, life It is what we think, what we feel and how we act in the face of events. Mental health is how we look after ourselves, our lives, and the people we know and care for. In addition, mental health determines our behavior in the face of stress, our relationships with people, our preferences and choices. Mental health is as important as physical health at every period of life.
Mental Health Problems
It can be easily understood that a child's fever is high, but it is more difficult to understand that his mental health is deteriorating. Because mental health problems may not always be visible to the naked eye, but it is possible to understand the symptoms. Mental health problems can be diagnosed. Mental health professionals collect and review information about symptoms. Depression and anxiety, as well as adjustment, eating disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity are some of the mental health problems. Mental health problems can occur in one in five children at any time. Unfortunately, an estimated two-thirds of children with mental health problems do not get the help they need. Many children and adolescents experience periods of emotional distress that they can recover from with short-term treatment and may not develop into a serious mental health problem. For example, the loss of a loved one or a change in family relationships can lead to such problems. A child's mental health is not related to his mental capacity. Like children without mental health problems, the intelligence levels of children with mental health problems can range from low (mental retardation) to high. Special education meets the needs of students with physical health problems as well as various mental health services. It is one of the support services of schools that help meet the special needs of children and adolescents with problems. Not everyone who receives special education needs to have a mental health problem, nor does every child and adolescent with a mental health problem need to receive special education.
Serious Emotional Disorders
Children. and for adolescents, the term “serious emotional disturbances” refers to disturbances that seriously interfere with daily life and functioning at home, school, or in the community. Serious emotional distress can occur in one in 20 young people at any time. If left unhelped, such mental health problems can lead to school failure, alcohol or drug use, conflict with family, violence, and even suicide.
Causes
We don't know all the underlying causes of young children's mental health problems. We know that these problems are related to both the environment and biological structure. Biological causes include heredity, chemical imbalance and damage to the central nervous system. Medical professionals call these neurobiological brain disorders. Many environmental factors can put children at risk. For example, children who are exposed to violence, abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one due to death or divorce, or dysfunctional relationships are at greater risk of mental health deterioration. Other risk factors include rejection due to race, sexual orientation, religion, or poverty.
Don't give up
It is important to keep looking until you find the right help for your child. Some children and families need psychological counseling or support. Others may need medical care, home care, outpatient treatment, educational services, legal assistance, rights protection, relocation, or counseling. Some families don't seek help out of fear of what others will say or think. Other barriers may arise, such as the cost of care, limited insurance benefits, or no health insurance at all. These may be real problems for your family, but treatment is necessary. Some mental health agencies or community mental health centers adjust fees based on the family's ability to pay. They can. Seeking help may require you to be very patient and persistent.
Protecting Your Child's Mental Health
As a parent, you are responsible for your child's physical safety and emotional comfort. There is no one right way to raise a child. Parenting styles vary, but what needs to be done for your child remains the same. The suggestions below may be incomplete. You can find helpful books in libraries and bookstores on developmental stages, constructive problem solving, discipline styles, and other parenting skills. In addition to nutritious foods, regular checkups, vaccinations and exercise, do your best to provide your child with a safe home and environment. Learn child developmental milestones so you don't expect more or less than your child can do. Encourage your child to express his feelings and respect his feelings. Explain to your child that everyone experiences pain, fear, anger, and anxiety. Try to learn the sources of these feelings. Help your child express anger in a positive, non-violent way. Develop respect and trust between you. Do not raise your voice even when you disagree. Keep communication channels open.
Listen to your child.
Use words and examples that your child can understand. Encourage him to ask questions. Give comfort and confidence. Be honest. Focus on the positives. Show that you are willing to talk about anything. Look at your own problem-solving and coping skills. Are you a good example? If you are overwhelmed by your child's emotions and behavior or cannot control your own frustrations or anger, seek help. Support your child's abilities and accept his limitations. Create goals based on your child's abilities and interests, not someone else's expectations. Celebrate their success. Don't compare your child's abilities to those of other children. Evaluate your child alone. Make regular time to be with your child. Support your child's independence and help them increase their self-worth. Be there for your child through life's ups and downs. Help your child overcome problems Show that you trust him/her to cope with new experiences.
Apply constructive, clear and consistent discipline (Discipline is not physical punishment, discipline is a form of teaching). All children and families are different; Find out which method is more effective for your child. Validate their positive behavior. Help your child learn from his mistakes. Love unconditionally. Teach the importance of apologizing, cooperation, patience, forgiveness, and caring for others.
Recognize Warning Signs
Various warnings can indicate a child or adolescent's possible mental health It may indicate a problem. Some of these warning signs are given below. Pay attention to whether your child shows the following symptoms:
Difficulties with emotions
- Feeling sad and helpless without a reasonable reason and being unable to get rid of these feelings.
- Being intensely angry, crying, or overreacting most of the time.
- Do not show feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Being more worried or anxious than other children.
- Prolonged mourning after a death or loss.
- Don't be excessively fearful. Having unexplained fears or being more afraid of other children.
- Persistent concern with physical problems or appearance.
- Fear of not being able to control your mind or that your mind is being controlled by others.
Major changes
- Deterioration in school situation.
- Don't lose interest in things you usually enjoy.
- Unexplained changes in sleeping and eating habits.
- Away from friends or family and always wanting to be alone.
- Don't daydream too much.
- Finding life too difficult to handle and not talking about suicide.
- Hearing unexplained sounds.
Limitations
- Inability to concentrate, difficulty in making decisions.
- Inability to sit still, inability to concentrate.
- Don't be afraid of getting hurt, hurting others, or doing something "bad". ;
- Needing to wash and clean things many times during the day or repeating certain behaviors.
- Inability to get rid of fast-moving thoughts.
- Having recurring nightmares.
Problematic behaviors
- Using alcohol or drugs.
- Eating large amounts and then trying to vomit, abusing laxatives, or using enemas to avoid weight gain.
- Do not continue to exercise or diet obsessively despite being at the appropriate weight.
- Frequent harming others or their property or violating the law.
- Do not do things that endanger life.
Seek Help Immediately
If your child shows any of these symptoms or if the symptoms are severe, seek help immediately. Talk to your doctor, school counselor, or a mental health professional who can evaluate whether your child has a mental health problem.
Every child's mental health is important.
Many children have mental health problems.
These problems are real, painful, and can be serious.
Mental health problems can be understood and treated.
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