Mental illness in children can affect their growth and development. The causes of the problem vary. It’s very important to give them right treatment and support. Parents should note that some of the cases are genetic and can be traced from family history. Mental illness affects the child’s future in school and the community. It can lead to the child suffering from depression and even anxiety. Once it develops, it becomes part of your child’s behavior.
Causes
Biological and environmental reasons contribute to mental health problems in children. Biological
reasons include the genetic factors and to some extent the injury of the central nervous system. Environmental factors include witnessing of shocking experiences like murder, broken relationship of the parents, violence, etc. Everyday stress can cause serious changes in your child’s behavior.
Signs and Symptoms
These are the warning signals of mental health problems in children. There are some symptoms that can give you warning signs. First, responding to certain things with fear and anxiety may be a symptom of the condition. Secondly, the physical behavior is a sign where he or she gets irritated on petty issues and overreacts to situations. In some cases, rapid heartbeat and sweating can be a good symptom. Social withdrawal, changes in appetite or sleep, tearfulness and fear of things shows clear signs of mental illness.
Treatment of mental health problems in children
The illness can be treated. It is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms. However, it’s recommended that if your child is suffering from a mental illness you should seek treatment immediately. If not attended at the right time it may lead to dropping out of school, drug abuse, and family conflict and in some cases the victim may commit suicide. It involves medication, creative therapy, and talk therapy. Psychosocial therapies are very effective with a combination of medications.
Medication involves administering of drugs like antidepressants, mood stabilizing drugs, and anti-psychotics. The administration depends on body weight and age of your kid. Creative therapy involves introducing play which helps them if they have a problem communicating their feelings. Talk therapy also referred to behavioral therapy is done by trained health professionals. They help kids with the illness change their behavior.
Like other serious illnesses, prevention is better than cure. Mental health problems in children can be avoided by showing love and care to your young ones.Avoid quarrels and take time to discuss problems affecting them. Support from teachers and friends can help in fighting mental illness challenges.
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