Mental Health In Children, Teenagers, and Adolescents

 

 

Mental health in children, teenagers, and adolescents refers to their emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, including their ability to cope with challenges, form healthy relationships, and develop resilience. As the foundation for lifelong wellbeing, promoting mental health in children, teenagers, and adolescents is crucial for empowering them to survive in an increasingly complex and competitive world. To properly understand the mental health in children, teenagers, and adolescents, consider the following milestones: 

1. Children (4-12 years old):

* The common mental issues facing children of this age bracket are anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). What are the meanings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder? What are their characteristics? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affecting children, teenagers, and adolescents' ability to focus, learn, and interact with others. If left untreated, ADHD can impact negatively on academic performance, social relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and thrive. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder marked by a pattern of angry, irritable, argumentative, and vindictive behaviour in children, teenagers, and adolescents, often accompanied by deliberate annoyance or upset of others. If untreated, ODD can lead to strained relationships, academic underachievement, and increased rate of developing other mental health issues. But with early intervention and therapy, persons with ODD can learn to manage their emotions and behaviours. 

* Risk factors: 

Children of 4-12 years of age face
problems of risk factors. They are troubled by their family history (conflicts between parents and divorce), trauma, bullying at schools, and social isolation. 

* The signs and symptoms of their helpless conditions are shown by changes in their behaviours, mood swings, irregular sleep patterns due to excessive screen time, and decreased interest in school activities probably due to inability to cope with classroom lessons.

* Intervention measures: 

Parent-child therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication (where necessary). 

2. Teenagers (ages 13-18 years old):

* Common mental health issues facing them are depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

* The risk factors that they grapple with are social media use (for example, smart phones addiction), peer pressures (close friends and colleagues at schools are pilling pressure on them to join their armed robbery gangs and cult groups), academic stress (inability to focus on studies due to engagement and addiction to illicit sexual relationships and inability to break off from it), and protracted family conflict ( parents are fighting at homes and even divorced, making their children stranded and wanderers).

* Signs and symptoms: 

Changes in behaviours, mood swings, sleep deficit and disruption, decreased interest in all activities, and withdrawal from social engagements.

* Intervention measures: 

Parent-child therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication (if necessary)

3. Adolescents (ages 19-24 years old):

* Common health mental issues for adolescents are depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and substance abuse. 

* Risk factors: 

Transition to independence, financial stress, relationships, and academic pressures.

* Signs and symptoms:

Difficulty managing emotions, increased substance abuse, less interest in academic activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and social withdrawals

* Intervention measures: 

Individual therapy (CBT, psychodynamics), group therapy, support groups, and medication (where necessary)

Find below general tips for supporting mental health in children, teenagers, and adolescents:

1. Parents and caregivers should encourage open communication to enable their children express their feelings.

2. They should promote a supportive and loving atmosphere, encouraging positive relationships, and self-esteem.

3. Parents and caregivers should lead exemplary lifestyles by modelling healthy behaviours by demonstrating healthy coping mechanisms, such as physical exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. 

4. Parents and caregivers can as well consult mental health professionals for expert advice if they are not sure of how to support the child's mental health.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has provided education programmes, support, and advocacy for mental health. The American Academy for  for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has offered resources and guidance for parents and caregivers whose children are having mental health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO), under the auspices of its Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 initiative, has emphasized the importance of promoting mental health and wellbeing in children, teenagers, and adolescents. The WHO's initiative tagged Mental Health Gap Action Programme also aims to improve mental health services, including for children and adolescents in low and middle-income countries. The UNICEF, under the aegis of its Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030, has declared its strategy focusing on promoting mental health and wellbeing in children, teenagers, and adolescents, particularly in vulnerable populations. The UNICEF's Child and Adolescent Mental Health also provides resources and guidance for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to support mental health in children and adolescents. 

The UNESCO's Mental Health in Schools initiative promotes mental health and wellbeing in schools, recognizing the importance of education in supporting mental health. The World  Bank's Mental Health and Economic Development recognizes the impact of mental health on economic development and provides resources for addressing mental health in low and middle-income countries. In the World Bank's Mental Health and Poverty Initiative, it highlights the link between mental health and poverty, emphasizing the need for mental health services to address poverty reduction squarely. The International Labour Organization's Psychosocial Risks and Work-Related Stress initiative has provided guidance on managing psychosocial risks and work-related stress, which can impact mental health in children, teenagers, and adolescents. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) has provided resources and guidance for addressing trauma and dissociation in children and adolescents. The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) has promoted mental healthcare, including for children and adolescents, and provided resources for healthcare professionals. All these international agencies have played monumental and crucial roles in promoting mental health and wellbeing in children, teenagers, and adolescents globally.

In conclusion, by prioritizing mental health and providing supportive environments, we can collectively help children, teenagers, and adolescents, build virile foundations for a lifetime of emotional resilience, wellbeing, and success.

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