Our Littlest Heroes: Protecting Children’s Mental Health

Inside the bright and innocent world of childhood, where laughter and play should reign supreme, there exists a hidden struggle, one that often goes unnoticed, underestimated, and unspoken – the battle for a child's mental well-being. There is a misconception that children are immune to the shadows of depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles, often dismissed as “growing pains.” But amidst the playground laughter and the bedtime stories, a silent storm can brew within young hearts and minds that must be discussed if we wish to protect the mental well-being of our littlest heroes.

The intention of this article is to shed light on the importance of addressing children's mental health issues and encouraging open discussions about the topic. We are not advocating for the indiscriminate use of medication in young children. Rather, we aim to emphasize the significance of recognizing and supporting the mental well-being of children. We believe that through understanding, dialogue, and appropriate guidance, we can better navigate the complexities of children's mental health and provide the necessary care and resources to help them thrive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in five children will struggle with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. They explain, “Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems.” When a child develops a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder, it is described as a sudden, serious change in the way they learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems in their day-to-day lives.

Among the most common disorders that can be diagnosed in early childhood are ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and anxiety. In 2016, roughly 20% of children ages 3-17 years old in the US had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. It was also found in 2019 that about 15% of children ages 12-17 years old had a major depressive episode, and nearly 19% reported that they had considered suicide; 16% made a plan, and 9% made an attempt.

Now, the difficult part is learning how to tell the difference between challenging behaviors and emotions that are a normal part of development and those that may be concerning. It is common and normal for children to throw tantrums, cry, or struggle with large emotions. However, it’s a good idea to consider seeking help if your child’s behavior causes distress to the child or family, or if the behavior interferes with the child’s functioning at school, at home, or with friends.

Concerning signs to watch out for in young children:

• Having frequent tantrums

• Often talking about fears of worries

• Complaining about frequent stomachaches or headaches with no cause

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Are not interested in playing with other children, or struggle making friends

• Experience a recent decline in academic performance

Concerning signs to watch out for in older children:

• Losing interest in things they enjoy

• Having low energy

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Avoiding social activities with friends or family

• Engaging in self-harm behaviors

• Engaging in risky or destructive behaviors

• Having thoughts of suicide

• Excessive dieting or exercise

Please note that if your child is thinking about hurting themselves, do not hesitate to utilize these resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

• Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741)

• Lifeline Chat (will link when posted)

Now that you know what signs to look for, it is important to learn how you can nurture and normalize your child’s mental health. You must remember that children often mimic their parents; before you can help them understand their own mental well-being, you must first understand your own.

Building your child’s emotional vocabulary will provide them with the language they need to identify and communicate their feelings. It is vital that you create a safe, welcoming environment for your child to experience and express their emotions without fear of being shamed or dismissed. They need a space where they can confide in their parents, guardians, or an adult they can trust, without repercussion or disappointment. You can even begin by being transparent with your own emotions - in a way that is developmentally appropriate for your child. Even saying something as simple as “Something at work today made me sad,” will create an environment where it is safe for you and your child to be vocal about your emotions.

It is also important to help your children create healthy habits early on. For example, electronics may play an important role for teenagers by helping them stay connected with their friends. However, screen time without limits can have negative effects on your child such as sleep or poor self-image if they are using social media. A proper sleep schedule is crucial to a child’s mental health; poor sleep habits can create an environment for depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

Other healthy habits you can help your child with are proper hygiene habits; helping them discover and engage in activities they enjoy; socialization with friends and family; and practicing self-love and acceptance.

Ultimately, children's mental health should not be an afterthought but a priority, and as a society, we must actively advocate for the emotional well-being of our youth. By fostering a culture of understanding and compassion, we can empower children to grow into resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy individuals. Let us start conversations, break down stigmas, and provide the love and support that every child deserves. Together, we can ensure that their journey through childhood is not only filled with laughter and play but also with the warmth of compassion, understanding, and the promise of a brighter future.