8 Tips to Promote Mental Health in School going Children

Student life is said to be carefree and the best time of one's life. Most of the time, it is. We all still reminiscence the activities and fun we did in our school and college days. We remember them with fondness and secretly hope to live them again. 

In today’s time, school and college life have taken a competitive turn. Students nowadays are so engrossed in their studies that they often forget about all the enjoyment they can have with their school life. A typical day in a student's life starts with waking up and rushing to attend the first lecture. After which it is just one class after another, till the end of the day. After which, they have to complete all the coursework and assignments. Where is the time for fun and relaxation? 

It is a sad reality for today’s students. The burden of studies is mounting, with no time for recreational and stress-release activities. It has led many teenagers and students to fall prey to mental health problems. School-going children now suffer from depression, panic attacks, etc., from a young age, significantly hampering their growth and mental capacity. These problems ultimately carry on to adulthood and hamper their career and personal life. 

Common Mental Health Problems Among Children

A child is no different from an adult when it comes to mental health problems. Adults and children suffer from the same problems, but children who grow up with these problems show disturbing results in adulthood. Some of the common mental health issues among children are:

Anxiety disorder- Anxiety disorder in children, is the most common mental health issue. It causes a person to feel intense fear, dread, and uneasiness, which might result in increased heart rate, nausea, sweating, etc. Children are more susceptible to it because of their developing brains and impressionable minds. Almost 9.4% of the children in the USA suffer from anxiety.

Behavioral problems- Children become aggressive and act angry and defiant around adults. This behavior may persist over time and become severe. Behavior changes may stem from extra pressure in school and college or falling out with a close friend. 8.9% of children in the USA suffer from behavioral changes.  

Depression- Depression in children is a feeling of sadness and no interest in hobbies or interests which used to excite them. Students suffering from depression also back out of sporting activities, social gatherings, and other social activities. 4% of American children suffer from depression.

Eating disorders- Eating disorders stems from the concept of an ideal body type. Students today focus on achieving a particular body type with a perfect body curve. This ideal body image creates an unyielding pressure on a person, which results in over-eating or under-eating, both of which are harmful. Almost 9% of children suffer from body image problems in the USA.

Some other mental health problems common in children are:

ADHD, ASD, mood disorders, schizophrenia, etc.

Signs of Mental Health Problems in Children

Parents or guardians need to keep a keen eye on their children if they exhibit one or any of these signs:

• Sadness persisting for more than two weeks
• Avoiding social interaction
• Hurting or planning to harm oneself
• Showing suicidal tendencies
• Bad behavior intended to push people away
• Drastic mood changes/ mood swings
• Loss of weight and changes in eating habits
• Deteriorating academic performance
• Decreasing hygiene level
• Increasing number of outbursts
• Sleeping problems
• Avoiding school or missing classes, etc.

Parents and guardians should be vigilant of these or similar indicators among children. These changing behavioral issues indicate a bigger problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. As soon as these signs surface, one should seek expert care.

Ways to Boot Mental Health of a School Going Child

A child’s mental status is fragile and impressionable. So, they are more suspectable to mental health issues and other environmental stimuli. Extra care must be taken when providing mental health care to young people, keeping their growing needs in mind. Some tips for looking after a child’s mental health are:

Exercise: Exercises release endorphins which is the feel-good hormone. A half-hour run daily is enough exercise for a person to release ample amounts of endorphins. Children should be motivated to take part in sports. Ask them to spend at least an hour on the field being active and involved in team activities. Choose a sport that clicks with them so they are motivated to be actively involved in it. Exercise and sports boost morale and improve mood, which keeps the children happy and engaged, giving them ample time to relax away from their studies.

Spend time with a pet: A pet is a great companion for a child. The bond that a child builds with a pet is unbreakable and pure. Pets teach children to care for and share their environment. When a pet is introduced at a young age, the brain builds different neural connections, improving mood and behavior. Studies have also proven that petting can reduce stress and release happy hormones. A pet is a great companion for children, which makes them forget about their stressful studies and other social problems, thereby improving mood and social interaction.

Organize your room: A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. Make it a point to declutter your area once a day. Include colors in your working area, and bring some plants and lights to decorate the space. Colors have a positive effect on mental health. They can reduce tension, stress, anxiety, etc., and help a person lead a calm life.

Sleep: Top psychologists are of the opinion sleep is the most crucial component of mental well-being. Lack of sleep plays a pivotal role in the development and severity of mental health conditions.  

Insomnia in children should be taken very seriously, as lack of sleep can affect their cognitive power and hamper neural pathways. A child should sleep for at least 8 hours daily to be physically and mentally healthy. If you notice any problems with your child’s sleeping schedule, contact an expert immediately to diagnose and treat it in the best way possible.

Take a trip: A family holiday is a great way to de-stress with kids. Plan a recreational trip when you feel studies are taking a toll on the child’s mental health. Involve children in planning these trips. When they are involved in the planning part, they are more inclined to enjoy it. Interacting with culturally diverse people enriches young minds and improves conversation skills, keeping them away from stressful things like studies. They are motivated to think about issues and problems in a different, productive way, thereby handling their mental health fruitfully.

Hobbies: Hobbies are a great way to release the stress of everyday school life. Everyone enjoys working on a particular project, like someone may find joy in playing guitar, while another might enjoy painting. In the same manner, every child enjoys a certain kind of activity. Encourage children to inculcate their hobbies and interests in their daily life. Kids motivated to follow their interests are less likely to suffer from mental health problems. 

Schools should also make it a point to encourage children to come forward and participate in various activities. Hobbies not only take their minds off studies but also improve their cognitive powers, giving them life skills.

Take some ‘me’ time: Every person walking this Earth has a private life, hidden from parents, spouses, or friends. Every individual has the right to have personal thoughts and space, even children. Parents and caretakers should keep in mind that children also need personal space from time to time to re-energize. 

Encourage children to make time for themselves other than studies and school. Children should participate in meditation, deep breathing exercises, and such to calm their minds and feel energized to take on the World with a positive outlook.

Talk: The most reliable way to address any issues affecting a child is to talk to them. Children have a habit of hiding the issues bugging them, be it studies or feuds with friends. The best way to gauze children’s mental health is to talk to them about various subjects concerning their lives. The more you connect with them, the more they will be open to you and your suggestions. 

Research has proved talking has a positive effect on mental well-being. So, make it a habit to talk to your children and be involved, but some points should be kept in mind. Children often isolate themselves when they feel talking has harmed their social life or the person hearing them has been judgmental. Parents and caregivers should remember that they provide the children with a calm and composed ‘listing ear.’ A safe environment, without the fear of judgment and scolding, is necessary for any child to open up.  

School-going children today are falling prey to mental health conditions like mood swings, depression, eating disorders, etc. It is heartbreaking to see children go through them along with their studies and sometimes because of the pressure of studies. Parents and caretakers must take extra notice when children show any signs or symptoms of mental distress, and prompt actions should be taken to address them. Make it a point to inculcate various engaging activities involving children to keep them engaged and mentally strong. Try to be a friend to children rather than just being someone who tells them what is wrong with them.

There is no greater pain for a parent than to see their child go through a mental illness. If you notice any child facing such issues, contact mental health experts at Online Docs for a session. Psychologists at Online Docs are qualified to treat children's mental health problems. Rest assured, this is the right direction, and the child will be given the best care.