Child Mental Health And The Myths That Come Along!

Mental well-being plays an important role in the overall development of a human being. Yet we tend to overlook the very fact. In some parts of our country, mental health issues and their related treatments are considered taboo. While in other getting counseling becomes an expensive affair. An extensive process to avail the counseling facilities to the remote part of our country is under progress.

However, the stigma of mental health particularly when it comes to kids is one of the core issues Mental Health Warriors fight each passing day. It takes a huge effort to create awareness that a child too suffers psychologically. Most of the time parents ignore the mental well-being of a child compared to physical ailments. What can be the reason?

Stigma — fear, shame, and misunderstanding about psychological disorders are the main reason behind it. And in that process majority never receive clinical care or proper counseling. There are few myths surrounding mental health issues in kids. That is why we are here today!

Let us bust the five mental health myths when it comes to a child!

Myth number 1 – There is no such thing as mental health issues in kids

The above myth is absolutely a false conception. People tend to ignore the fact unless the issue is visibly clear.

If the child is autistic that is considered an issue but a child fighting depression, anxiety and stress are considered less important. Most parents do not understand the symptoms and signs of such issues in their kids. We need to look closer and assess the child’s behavior to know the behavioral changes. Which when ignored can cause undesired consequences.

So, break this first myth that says there is no such thing as mental health issues.

Myth number 2 – A child with mental health issues would have a weak personality and a bleak future

Well wake up and smell the coffee! Mental health issues are just like any other issues when treated and looked into can be treated most of the time. However, it does not determine the personality or the prospects of the child. Parents need to get that clear and ensure the child has positive thinking towards the future.

Myth number 3 – Mental illnesses are the product of bad parenting

Well, that is absurd. A child’s mental well-being indeed depends on the upbringing, positivity in the house and surroundings. Nevertheless, behavior of the parent towards the child plays a key role in the mental well-being and emotional well-being of a child. However, it does not directly implicate bad parenting leads to mental health issues.

Also, it is not genetically involved. So, we should stop blaming parents for and everything.

Myth number 4 – Anxiety and stress are only for adults

When we are under stress we talk to our friends, spouse, or counselors. But when a child is under stress we consider it a behavioral issue, attention-seeking tactics. If a happy child is sad for a prolonged period without any particular reason it should be taken into consideration. Keep a tab on the sleeping as well as eating patterns. If a foodie child starts ignoring food but is physically healthy then there are chances that the child is going through stress and anxiety. Talk to them, sort it out and if not, try considering visiting a counselor.

Okay, when I say counselor we are ultimately moving towards our myth number Five!

Myth number 5 – Counseling for the child is of no use

When we say that counseling for a child is of no use, back of our mind we are responding to the fear of society or the stigma related to it. But tell me one thing when a child suffers cold or fever, do we self-medicate? No right?

Then why do we adults ignore the fact that mental health issues also need a professional? Try to connect with a child psychologist with a good experience.

Unattended mental health can hamper a child’s social development, emotional well-being and healthy mind for a better future. It will be easy for a parent to overlook a child’s mental health amidst a hectic routine. However, by that, you may be unknowingly robbing away their better tomorrow!