Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life but it is also one of the most challenging where as a parent, you want to give your child the best life possible but sometimes that means dealing with difficult issues like anxiety. Your child’s mental health. Mental health problems in children are more common than many people actually realize. According to reports, one in five children will experience a mental health disorder in any given year and these disorders can take many forms, including anxiety, depression, ADHD and conduct disorders. among others.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Archit Garg, co-founder of Glamyo Health shared, “As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned when your child shows signs of mental health problems. However, it’s important to remember that these problems are treatable, and seeking help early can help your child. It can make a big difference in a child’s life.” According to him, here are some signs that your child may be experiencing mental health issues:
- Changes in behavior or mood – If your child suddenly becomes withdrawn, irritable, or moody, this may be a sign that something is wrong.
- Difficulty concentrating – Children with mental health problems often have trouble concentrating on tasks or completing homework.
- sleep problems Insomnia or excessive sleep can be a symptom of depression or anxiety.
- Change in appetite – A sudden change in appetite, whether it is increased or decreased, can also be a sign of a mental health disorder.
Archit Garg advises, “If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to talk to them about what they are experiencing. Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts with you, and reassure them that it’s okay to feel this way. You should also consider seeking professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify the underlying problem and provide appropriate treatment for your child. There are a variety of treatments available for mental health problems, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Your child’s treatment plan will depend on their specific needs and the nature of their disorder.”
Bringing her expertise to bear on the same, Chaitra Nanjunda, Counseling Psychologist, Lisun recommends, “It is important for parents to understand that they do not need to know the answers to all the concerns their child may have. They don’t need to tailor a solution to solve the problem. Children are sometimes vulnerable to feeling helpless from their external world, even more so because of their internal battles.
He emphasized, “At times like this if you just assume that your child is not trying to be his/her normal self and it is beyond your comfort zone to help them look like a professional. That in itself will make you a confidant. can approach the problem. In recent years, parenting styles have evolved to be more supportive of their child’s individualism, but turning a blind eye to giving children their ‘personal space’ may not always be the solution. Most children are children, who are actually developmentally behind their parents. , so don’t hesitate to help them.”
Abhay Kumar, Co-Founder and Director, Institute of Real Estate and Finance (IREF) said, “Parents have many responsibilities, including ensuring the physical and mental health of their children. In this day and age, with the increasing stress of academics, extracurricular activities and social life, it is common for parents to worry about their child’s mental health. Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, and as a responsible educational institution, we prioritize the mental health of our students. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders, are common in children. “
According to a World Health Organization report, half of all mental health disorders begin by age 14 and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin by age 24. Abhay Kumar highlighted, “The mental health of our students is just as important. as their academic success. We understand that parents are concerned about their child’s mental health, and we are committed to providing our students and their families with the support they need. By working together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment where our students can thrive academically and emotionally. Being a parent isn’t easy and worrying about your child’s mental health can add an extra layer of stress. By making students’ mental health a priority, we can help them live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.”