Are we listening? Recognising and supporting children’s mental health needs
By Mariann Csoma, British School of Geneva
Children’s mental health is pivotal in shaping their ability to learn, grow, and navigate their educational and social journey. It is the foundation upon which their cognitive, emotional, and social development is built.
A child’s capacity to regulate emotions, manage stress, and form healthy relationships are critical components that contribute to their overall mental well- being. When these foundational aspects are nurtured, children are better equipped to engage in the learning process, handle challenges, and form positive connections with peers.
Children can encounter struggles with their emotional well-being from a very early age. Recognising early signs of mental health challenges in children is not only about preventing their escalation but also about proactively putting in place the proper support and implementing effective strategies.
Silent Struggles
Caregivers and educators play a crucial role in identifying those early signs,
yet recognising the indicators can be challenging due to the silent nature of their internal struggles. Numerous factors contribute to the fact that children might struggle to express their feelings and thoughts verbally:
Children may lack the fully formed cognitive and verbal skills required to articulate the complexity of their emotions, making it challenging for them to vocalise their mental health challenges.
Beyond linguistic limitations, a fear of disappointing parents is a significant communication barrier. Eager for approval, children may internalise their struggles rather than burden their caregivers with worries or concerns, creating a self-imposed silence to maintain a sense of familial harmony.
A closely related motive is the instinct to protect parents from unnecessary distress. Perceptive to their parents’ emotional states, children may conceal their difficulties to shield their loved ones from worry. This protective instinct arises from a genuine desire to preserve the happiness of their family unit, creating a silent struggle within the child.
Lastly, the fear that expressing their mental health challenges could alter the dynamics of the family unit serves as a powerful deterrent. Children, inherently sensitive to the emotional atmosphere at home, may choose silence over disclosure to maintain stability within the family.
Unspoken signs
These factors underline the critical importance for caregivers and educators to remain attuned to subtle, often non-verbal cues regarding children’s mental well-being. Recognising the early signs is paramount, as these issues frequently manifest through sudden or gradual changes in various aspects of their lives: behavioural shifts, alterations in social interaction, fluctuations in academic performance, changes in mood, and physical well-being.
Observing a once lively and engaged child undergoing a noticeable transformation, becoming withdrawn, and avoiding social interactions raises a red flag. Conversely, a quiet child may exhibit irritability, impulsiveness, and restlessness, indicating potential underlying challenges. Additionally, children might resort to coping mechanisms, such as avoiding specific activities or developing perfectionistic tendencies, to manage their emotions.
Children may display ongoing and excessive concern regarding routine situations or events. They might display persistent, intense, or irrational worry about everyday occurrences or specific events. Alterations in sleep patterns, including difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares, may also be observed. Changes in eating habits, such as an increase or decrease in appetite, can serve as additional indicators.
Furthermore, a notable loss of interest, motivation, and persistent feelings of fatigue represent further warning signs that caregivers and educators should be attentive to. Physical complaints, such as headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension, should not be overlooked, as they can be indicative of underlying mental health concerns.
It is crucial to recognise that these behavioural shifts can significantly impact a child’s concentration and academic performance and may even contribute to a heightened risk of school dropout.
Call for help
It’s important to recognise these alterations as potential calls for help. Children may
not possess the vocabulary to articulate their inner struggles, but their behaviour becomes a canvas on which they paint their emotions. In their unique ways, children are attempting to express their emotional needs, seeking assurance and understanding from the trusted adults in their lives. Taking these behavioural shifts as potential calls for support enables caregivers and educators to create a supportive environment where children feel safe and encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings.
Engaging in open conversations, actively listening, and seeking professional guidance when needed can be instrumental in unraveling a child’s underlying challenges.
The importance of early intervention
Understanding and responding to early signs of mental health struggles in children is paramount because these challenges have far-reaching consequences on their holistic development. The cognitive, social, and emotional facets of a child’s growth are deeply interconnected, and untreated mental health issues can disrupt this balance. Detecting and addressing these challenges early on becomes a preventive measure against potential long-term consequences. Mental health struggles, if left unattended, can have a lasting impact on a child’s adolescence and significantly shape the person they become as a young adult. Early intervention fosters a healthier and more resilient present. It lays the foundation for a more positive and well-adjusted future, allowing the child to navigate life’s complexities more easily and confidently.
Nurturing open channels of communication is imperative. Encouraging an environment where children feel safe expressing their emotions without fear of disappointment or upheaval is crucial. By fostering understanding, empathy, and support, we empower children to break the silence surrounding their mental health challenges, fostering resilience and emotional well-being in their formative years.
Finding the right support
The solitary confrontation of parental challenges in navigating their children’s struggles can be arduous. Therefore engaging with professionals for assistance can significantly contribute to a heightened understanding of the diverse needs of children.
Within an educational environment, parents may establish connections with the individual overseeing the well-being of students. Beyond the confines of the academic setting, initiating contact with a qualified counselor or mental health professional holds the potential to furnish valuable insights and guidance.
Seeking support from others, including educators, mental health experts, and healthcare professionals, is key to creating a robust network that nurtures the emotional well-being of our children.
