Mental wellness during childhood is about reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills. Children learn how to cope when there are problems and how to respond appropriately to their emotions.
Mental wellness during childhood is about reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills. Children learn how to cope when there are problems and how to respond appropriately to their emotions.
Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which cause distress and problems getting through the day. Many children occasionally experience fears and worries or display disruptive behaviors. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school or in other social situations. If symptoms are serious and persistent and interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with a mental disorder (CDC, 2021). Children can develop the same mental health conditions as adults, but their symptoms may be different.
What are common mental health disorders in childhood?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Conduct Disorder (CD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Tourette Syndrome
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Other conditions and concerns that affect children’s learning, behaviour, and emotions include learning and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and risk factors like substance use and self-harm.
Symptoms of mental disorders change over time as a child grows, and may include difficulties with how a child plays, learns, speaks, and acts, or how the child responds to their emotions. Symptoms often start in early childhood, although some disorders may develop during the teenage years. The diagnosis is often made in the school years and sometimes earlier; however, some children with a mental disorder may not be recognized or diagnosed as having one. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental disorders.
What can you do to support your child?
You will play an important role in supporting your child's treatment plan. To care for yourself and your child, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following:
- Learn about the specific mental health condition.
- Consider family counseling that treats all members as partners in the treatment plan.
- Ask your child's mental health professional for advice on how to respond to your child and handle difficult behavior.
- Enroll in parent training programs, particularly those designed for parents of children with a mental illness.
- Explore stress management techniques to help you respond calmly.
- Seek ways to relax and have fun with your child.
- Praise your child's strengths and abilities.
- Work with your child's school to secure necessary support.
