The mental health of a child is as much an essential aspect of their well-being as anything else. As we care about our physical health, we should also pay attention to our mental health from a young age. Many children suffer from mental illness today, and many of them have disorders that are severely affecting their feelings, thinking, or behavior. Three of the most frequent childhood mental disorders include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Anxiety disorders. Knowledge of these conditions can assist parents and caregivers provide better support.
ADHD is a condition in which it’s difficult for children to pay attention, sit still, and control their impulsive behavior. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (overactivity). For instance, a child with ADHD may have difficulty completing homework or frequently interrupt others during conversation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is among the most common mental health conditions faced by American children, marked by varying degrees of difficulties in communication, social behavior and public displays. ASD affects 1 in 31 children, and every child on the ASD spectrum has unique strengths and challenges associated with their daily life.
Anxiety Disorders are more common and include having too much worry or fear. Children with an anxiety disorder may feel nervous about going to school or have a lot of worries about social situations or they might be very uncomfortable leaving home. Symptoms may involve refusing to do certain things, complaining of stomachaches, or easily getting upset. A child who is afraid of being wrong or judged, for example, can get stuck in a situation where they don’t feel they can participate in class.
A loving, nurturing environment is of great importance to children in these situations. Parents can assist by being patient, listening to children’s concerns, and keeping lines of communication open. Setting a schedule and maintaining stability can also make kids feel safer.
Additionally, mental health providers play a crucial role in helping kids. They can diagnose, treat and manage disorders and provide treatment to help children cope with their condition. Arbor Wellness, for instance, emphasizes personalized care to support children experiencing mental health challenges. They provide counseling, help children understand their condition, and teach their families how to offer support so that these children feel understood.
It is essential to identify common mental disorders during childhood, as doing so can significantly impact their growth and development. Parents can raise a healthy home by understanding the signs of ADHD, ASD and anxiety disorders. With enough support from families and professionals like those at Arbor Wellness, children can live healthier lives. No one’s mental health should ever be neglected and all of us can play a part.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/about/index.html
https://nationalautismcenter.org/autism-rate-continues-to-rise-one-in-44-children-in-the-u-s-has-autism/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center/30-facts-to-know-about-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety-disorders.html
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/1200/anxiety-disorders-children-adolescents.html
https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/how-calm-anxious-stomach-brain-gut-connection
https://www.apa.org/topics/families/parents-caregivers-kids-healthy-development
https://www.apa.org/topics/parenting/emotion-regulation
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/adhd/adhd-in-children
