Mental health treatment for children plays an essential role in brain development. It also helps them develop and foster critical social-emotional skills (e.g., resilience and empathy) that are just as crucial in adulthood.
Equally vital is that prompt mental health intervention can make the difference between life and death.
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, childhood suicidality is increasing. Children's hospitals have seen a 166% increase in emergency department visits for self-injury and suicide attempts among youth aged 5 to 18.
When kids understand they aren't alone, that mental and emotional health support is available, and early intervention with innovative psychological treatment methods is effective, they're more likely to agree to treatment. They may even be the ones to initiate the conversation about it.
What Are the Signs of Deteriorating Mental Health?
The U.S. CDC says almost one in five children between 3 and 17 has received a diagnosis for an emotional, mental, or behavioral health condition. The symptoms these kids exhibit are often similar to those of adults with mental health problems, such as:
- Sadness or hopelessness that doesn't seem to go away
- Excessive, unexplainable anxiety, fear, or worry
- Angry outbursts
- Restlessness
- Irritabiity
- Changes in appetite and sleep
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed
- Difficulty with concentration, memory, and thinking
- Disregarding personal hygiene
Younger children with mental health conditions may also exhibit distinct symptoms like regression (bedwetting, separation anxiety, or thumbsucking). They may complain about physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, too, rather than directly verbalizing that they feel anxious or depressed.
What Triggers a Mental Breakdown?
Mental breakdowns, also referred to as severe emotional meltdowns, can have many "triggers," including:
- Extreme stress
- Overwhelming, uncontrollable emotions
- Significant changes to routine
- Sensory overload
Trauma from abuse and bullying is a common "source" of these factors. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 2.46 billion kids and youths worldwide experience bullying and violence each year.
Major life changes can also lead to trauma or mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety) that can then trigger an emotional meltdown. Examples include divorce and the death of a close family member, such as a sibling, parent, or grandparent.
Why Is Mental Health Treatment for Children Crucial?
From supporting proper brain and social development to reducing the risk of mental health issues persisting into adulthood, these are primary reasons why outpatient and residential mental health treatment can be critical tools for children.
Mental wellness techniques and therapy options may also help boost academic performance and social functioning in kids. Access to mental health resources and services may even reduce high-risk behaviors that could contribute to more severe outcomes like substance abuse, self-harm, or suicide.
Supporting Proper Brain and Social Development
According to a National Institute of Mental Health press release, for instance, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that after 3 months of CBT, untreated children with anxiety disorders showed improvements in brain functioning. They also displayed a decrease in symptoms.
By giving children with mental conditions access to prompt intervention, their brains can function better, letting them build critical skills like communication, empathy, and resilience.
Reducing the Risk of Long-Term Mental Health Issues
Untreated mental health problems can worsen and persist into adulthood. It can cause difficulties with:
- Relationships
- Physical health
- Employment
Early treatment can benefit children by reducing the odds of their conditions becoming more severe and affecting them for life.
Boosting Academic Performance and Social Functioning
Children with access to mental health treatment and care options, such as behavioral support, are more likely to perform better at school and build positive, healthy relationships with their peers.
According to the Learning Policy Institute, when elementary schools provide mental health services, it leaves a positive impact on students' mental health. Having qualified and supported school counselors also yields many benefits, including:
- Reducing disciplinary incidents and recidivism (tendency to repeat misconduct)
- Increasing boys' academic achievements
- Improving student behaviors
Reducing High-Risk Behaviors
The longer mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) go untreated in children, the greater the risk of these conditions becoming more severe and contributing to or even causing worse outcomes.
As explained by the Child Mind Institute, for instance, almost half of children with mental health disorders who don't get treated will end up developing substance use disorder (SUD). SUD makes treating mental health more challenging and can impact children's futures, as it's a suicide risk factor for youth with depression and can lead to impulsive suicidal behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Good Mental Health Promote Overall Well-Being?
Yes. The way children act, feel, and think directly affects their physical health.
If they have optimal mental health, for instance, they're more likely to engage in healthy activities and behaviors, such as active play with peers, healthy eating, and a well-balanced life of playing, studying, and spending time with family and loved ones.
On the other hand, if they feel severe stress or excessive anxiety, it can cause them to experience physical symptoms. They may complain about headaches, stomach upset, and fatigue.
How Can Adults Help Improve Children's Mental Health?
Adults can help support good mental health in children by cultivating open communication. Talk to them openly, and share your emotions, feelings, and thoughts.
When they realize it's normal to share things like these and that you're creating a safe, non-judgmental space, they're more likely to speak out, too. When they do, be sure to listen actively.
Spend quality time with them as often as possible, too. Take them with you for some nature exposure, outdoor activities, and other healthy pursuits that provide recreation, physical activity, and social engagement.
Mental Health Treatment Can Be Life-Saving for Kids
Early mental health treatment and intervention can help save children's lives by reducing crises and mitigating dangerous behaviors like self-harm and suicidality.
Coupled with parents' and guardians' support (e.g., fostering positive relationships), kids can enjoy being kids. They can achieve better emotional and mental well-being, which they can enjoy all the way to adulthood.
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