“A child’s mental health is as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support.”

We see many parents worried about the child’s physical growth and development like height, weight etc. But, not many check their mental health status or check it too late. Mental illnesses in children are described as severe abnormalities in the way children usually learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing discomfort and difficulty getting through the day. And, as parents, identifying and helping them is as important as their physical growth concerns.

Although many new parents are now aware of mental health issues, they are discouraged because of a few myths surrounding childhood mental health. Here are the myths and facts about early childhood mental health that all parents and parents-to-be must know.

• Myth – Children tend to grow out of mental health problems. And it is expected.
  Fact: In psychiatric illnesses, children tend to “grow out” less than they “grow to” weaker conditions. In maturity, most of the times, mental health issues remain unaddressed in childhood surfaces later. Most of the mental health issues arise before the age of 14. Thus, we should have a complete check on emotional and conductive issues for the young.

• Myth – A child can manage a psychiatric disorder through willpower. No external support is required.
  Fact: The willpower of children is multi fold when compared to adults. But, this willpower does not need them to grow out of psychiatric disorders on their own. They require support from outside. Psychiatric disorder is not just mood dip or easy bad behaviour; it is severe distress and dysfunction that affects the child’s growth and development in all areas. On the other hand, children do not have such capabilities or experiences to overcome mental illness with their willpower. The proper treatment plan can profoundly help them up and cheer them to overcome the issues without hassle.

• Myth – Bad parenting results in psychiatric problems for children.
  Fact: While kids can experience worsening of a psychiatric condition due to their home environment and relations with their parents, these facts do not produce a problem for the creation. Biological factors are considered to have rooted anxiety, depression, autism, and learning problems. However, It’s not to blame parenting for all of it. Although parents play a crucial role in giving assistance and care that are important for the rehabilitation of their kid, they are not the primary reason for the cause.

• Myth – Children’s mental health therapy is a huge waste of time.
  Fact: Many believe that mental health therapies are talking therapies that help individuals open up and counsel their minds. This old approach is not suitable for children as they are too young to understand the situations. But, this old practice is not used anymore. Cognitive-conduct therapy is now the finest evidence-based treatment approach for children and adolescents that focuses on altering the ideas, attitudes and actions that cause them severe issues.

• Myth – The youngster is lifelong harmed with a mental illness.
  Fact: A mental illness is not a sign that obstructs future happiness and fulfilment potential. If the fighting of a kid is detected and treated—it has an excellent opportunity to manage or to overcome symptoms and become a healthy adult. Thus, the misconception of life being spoiled because of the mild or intense mental disorders in childhood is not true. These can be addressed and sorted with good support and guidance.
  Early diagnosis and proper services can influence the lives of children with mental illnesses for both children and their families. Accessing the right service providers, including assessment, referral, and treatments, will let your children find the path that they desire.

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.