Mental health issue among children is gradually becoming a cause of concern in the society. Everyone has a question why is it becoming more common. According to World Health organization reports, 10-20% of children and teenagers experience mental health problems. In today’s society, everyone faces pressure, the extreme workload that leads to poor health, but developing mental issues are somewhat different which arise out of psychological distress. It is difficult to find out the reason but young children and teenagers struggle with behavioral, emotional, and social disorders due to their surroundings and loneliness. Despite the growing problem of mental health, these children are hardly able to receive any support, studies have shown that 80% of young children and teenagers receive any treatment.

Reasons for mental health issues among young children:

Mental health issue among children does not arise out of trivial issues but due to factors as health problems, life trauma, family history of genetics. Here are some significant causes;

• Environmental problems as- poor diet, malnutrition, inadequate sleep, etc.
• Family history as if the father suffers from mental health issues, kids are more likely to develop the symptoms.
• Children may feel vulnerable due to getting labeled or ridiculed at school, untimely death of parent which leads them to be emotionally unsettled.
• Lack of support from parents, in the situation of working parents, children may feel lonely.
• Physical changes may lead to extreme shyness, low self-esteem, and anxiety.

Often symptoms of poor mental of children may be misunderstood by the family. Many times symptoms of depression ADHD are left unnoticed due to ignorance, it is essential to pay attention when children show these symptoms;

• Loss of appetite
• Persistent headache
• Low energy, tiredness
• Feeling lost
• Social withdrawal
• Lack of interest
• Poor performance in school
• Lack of concentration in activities
• Showing tantrums
• Behavioral issues at school

As parents, people have to take care of the overall well-being of their children. At home, they can adopt some useful method which will certainly make difference.

• The most important thing is to build trust with children as parents’ relationship with their children plays a major role in their mental health. Establishing a sense of security will develop trust between them.
• Give them chance to socialize with other family members so that they can learn social behavior. Children who grow up in joint families are often seen to get comfortable in different social situations.
• Parents can help their children in developing self-esteem by praising them for genuine achievements, giving them chance to be independent, and by giving value to their feelings.
• Parents need to set some time to spend with their children especially with teenagers, listen to their views, and have an open conversation on issues whether it is related to school, college, or friends. They can quote examples from their own lives, it will give them comfort.
• Parents need to be role models in front of their children. A happy home environment always depends upon the healthy relationship between the parents.

Understand the importance of social media in children’s lives, instead of discouraging them to use it, set a family time where everyone can have free conversation.