Children & Young Persons

Mental health

We all need to feel safe and confident that we can handle what life throws at us. Without this sense of well-being, our quality of life can fall and mental health can become precarious. Right now, children's well-being is at a ten year low. When problems start, they can't get help. When things get too much, they are put on a waiting list. We want young people to be happy and feel good about themselves, to be able to fight and not give up. Statistics show that 10% of children and young people will suffer from a mental health illness that equates to 2 children in a class of 20. The most common disorders are depression, anxiety and conduct disorder and are usually caused by life events or home life.

Conduct Disorder

A child is diagnosed with CD if he exhibits a callous disregard for others and a sustained pattern of behaviour that fit into these general categories: for example, aggression against people and animals, disregard for and destruction of other people’s property and rule violations such as theft, shoplifting, truancy and running away from home. Research has shown that most children with conduct disorder do not grow up to have behavioural problems or problems with the law as adults; most of these youth do well as adults, both socially and occupationally.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Symptoms include children being hyperactive, behaving impulsively and struggling to concentrate and pay attention. ADHD is more common in boys than girls but the cause of ADHD is still not fully understood.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders in children and teens can cause serious health problems and in the worst cases even death. Eating disorders need to be treated professionally and can’t be treated through will power alone, professional help will also spot any underlying psychological problems. Remember if you think your child is suffering from an eating disorder contact your doctor straight away, as best results occur when they are treated early.

Depression

Depression affects more children today than in years gone by and is more common in teens than children. Factors that can increase depression in teens are such things as obesity, peer pressure, long term bullying, struggling academically or being witness or a victim to violence, abuse either physical, sexual or mental. Up to 90% of children and young people will recover from depression in the first year.

Anxiety

Symptoms associated with anxiety can show in childhood and on average start at 7 years of age. Fortunately, most children diagnosed with anxiety disorders will outgrow them, provided they live in supportive environments and get appropriate treatment.

According to a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment that combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with medication is most likely to help children with anxiety disorders, but either treatment on its own can also be effective.

TOP TIPS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Always make yourself available when they want to talk, ask them how they are, how their day has been etc.
Support their interests whether active or creative, help them engage in group activities and give credit no matter how well they’ve done. Positive words are good for self esteem.
Have structure and routines, such as getting exercise, eating a healthy diet, having a good night sleep and family time
Support them if you think they’re struggling; ask do they need a hand and then work together to overcome any obstacles.
If your child doesn’t feel comfortable speaking to you, don’t be offended, sometimes they may feel embarrassed or ashamed, find a teacher or close friend or family member who they may feel comfortable speaking to.
Reduce phone and online time, the hidden dangers may be contributing to the situation, be careful how you approach this, acknowledging their independence and privacy yet being assertive in your assistance