How to normalize mental health problems in kids

2023-06-13

Mental health problems in kids

Hello friends, in tough times of pandemic the most affected ones are the school-going children. In smaller kids where fundamental years have been affected, in bigger kids, severe mental health disorders have been noticed. Their way of reading, writing, playing, grasping things, being hyperactive and physical functioning has been adversely affected. Things are getting back to normal but still, the behavior of the kids needs to be identified, monitored and parents and teachers have to play a vital role in that. According to a global study, about 15% of the kids are suffering from mental disorders or mental health issues. This is an alarming sign. Home is the very first place to start with and parents need to be alert as it can be detrimental to a child’s development and healthy development. The schools also need to concentrate on providing a cordial atmosphere for the good development of the child to support good mental health.

Symptoms of mental disorders in school-going kids-

If the child is behaving abnormally or not is in his real self, parents need to be cautious. They need to notice every minor change in kids’ behavior as it is easy to be recognized at the initial stage and needs proper treatment. There are certain symptoms that you can notice in a child’s behavior.

1)Hyperactivity-The present generation no doubt is restless and superactive. But some kids have that destructive energy that you and others can easily notice. Such kids are hyperactive. They can’t sit and move here and there. They are restless, throwing things, their facial expressions are always full of agony and without any reason, they show tantrums. You can see a hole in your wall or broken toys, torn books, and unmanaged things. They are like storms and whatever comes in their way is all messed up. Be alert if the child was calm earlier but his behavior is changed for a couple of months or days.

2)Shouts/cries and throws tantrums-Such kids can be shown throwing tantrums on roads, malls, and other public places. They act as victims all the time. They cry for no reason. They leave no stones unturned to humiliate their peers and even parents too. They are always crying for something or the other.

3)Fear of rejection-In school-going kids, the fear of rejection or not being accepted is the biggest one. It fills them with stress and anxiety. Be it the play, study, or any other competition they always fear rejection and not being accepted. This fear makes them timid and takes away their confidence.

4)The kid is a little shyer in interacting with the outside world-The kid wants to be alone. He doesn’t want to mingle with anyone. Even in family time he/she wants to avoid the scene and is more indulged in screen activities and or draws the faces and images with no meanings. He can be an introvert but keep a check on changing behavior patterns.

If you notice one or more of the symptoms then you need to be alert and identify, screen, and take immediate action. If the precautions are not taken on time that can ruin the development of the kids and makes them mental pressure disturbed in the long run.

How to normalize mental health problems in kids–

It is a major challenge to deal with kids suffering from mental illnesses. It is the joint responsibility of the parents as well as the school to help such kids. First of all, parents need to be alert regarding any minor behavioral change in kids’ behavior. The schools also need to be more interactive to normalize the mental health of the students. Let it discuss this in detail.

Parents have to play a great role in tackling psychiatric issues in school-going kids

a) the parents must notice, identify and screen the changes in kids’ behaviour-They need to monitor kids’ sleeping and eating orders too. If any slight change is there talk to the kid about that. Mental health is equally important as physical health. So parents need to keep a close look at any slight change in the behavior of the child.

b) Talk to the kid regarding his/her school, their friends, activities, or if they are facing any issue at school. Their friend circle plays a major role in developing their mental and physical growth. Check if the kid is stressed out or talking negatively.

c) Spend time with the kid-Play with them, let them feel comfortable to talk to you regarding whatever they want to share. Let them open their heart out. Be their support and mentor rather than authoritarian. Play some indoor or outdoor games with kids. Channelize their energy into some creative things.

d)Don’t let the competition suffer your child- He always doesn’t need to be on top. Tell them to do their best and teach them that failure is also a part of life and how to cope up with failure in life. Let them face reality and get new experiences in life.

e)Keep a close check on the screen quality of the kid-The online activity check will help you to closely monitor the type of content the kid is surfing. Some online activities and games are not good for the mental health of the kid, pressurize the child and make him vulnerable to cyberbullies. It leaves the kid helpless and takes his/her mental peace.

Schools and teachers need to be more interactive and supportive–

The schools also have a major role to develop the healthy mental health of the kid. The pandemic has hit the health of the kids negatively physically as well as mentally. It will take some time to bring the kids back to normal. Still, mental health is a major challenge for schools. There are some important steps which the schools can take.

Mental health awareness campaigns-

Awareness about mental health issues of the students is a major challenge for the schools. They can organize campaigns to spread awareness regarding mental health issues. They need to focus on taking precautionary measures to make sure the students are better-taken care of not only the infrastructure and curriculum but take it as a challenge to sort out the mental health issues of the students.

Counsellors can help lot-

The schools can take the help of the counselors to help the students to take care of their mental health of the students. The counselors can better know the mental challenges of the students, screen them, identify them and help them to cope with the issues which are detrimental to their mental health.

3)Interactive sessions between the teacher and the kids-The interactive sessions between the students and teachers help to fill the communication gaps and better deal with the health issues of the students. Teachers need to be more friendly and interactive sessions with the students to help to identify their needs better and resolve the mental disorders.

4)Interactive sessions between the teachers and the parents regarding the mental health of the kids-Its more the feedback section where the parents and teachers come together to discuss the issues the kids facing. It can be constructive feedback or more healthy conversations to deal with the mental health of the kids and to normalize their behavior.