Children and Adolescent Mental Health
Children
and teenagers experience stress, anxiety, sadness and other emotional
challenges just as adults do. The difference is that they often lack the words
or the life experience to explain what they are feeling, and they may not
recognise that their experiences have a name or that help is available. As a
result, a child who is struggling may show their distress through behaviour
rather than through conversation.
Changes
in a child’s behaviour are sometimes dismissed as “just a phase,”
“attention seeking” or “indiscipline.” Behavioural and
emotional changes can certainly be part of normal development. However, when
changes are persistent, intense or out of keeping with the child’s usual self,
they may indicate that the child needs additional support. Recognising these
signs early can make an important difference to a child’s wellbeing for years
to come.
Warning
Signs in Younger Children
Parents,
caregivers and teachers should pay attention to persistent changes in young
children. Frequent or intense tantrums and irritability that go beyond what is
typical for the child’s age can be a signal. So can excessive fears or worries,
frequent unexplained headaches or stomach aches, and significant changes in
sleep. Persistent restlessness or difficulty concentrating may also be
important, as may withdrawal from play or from other children, or difficulty
making and keeping friendships.
Other
signs include a decline in academic performance, changes in appetite or
behaviour, and a loss of interest in activities the child used to enjoy. When
several of these signs appear together, or continue for a long period, it is
wise to seek a professional assessment.
Warning
Signs in Older Children and Adolescents
In
older children and adolescents, warning signs may include persistent sadness,
anxiety or irritability, withdrawal from friends and family, and a loss of
interest in previously enjoyable activities. Significant changes in sleep or
appetite, low energy or motivation, and a sudden decline in school performance
can all be important. Some young people develop excessive concern about weight,
food or exercise, while others begin using alcohol or other substances or
engage in risky or destructive behaviour. Self-harm, significant or unusual changes
in mood, energy or behaviour, and hearing, seeing or strongly believing things
that others do not may also indicate that professional help is needed.
Any
talk of suicide, self-harm or wanting to die should always be taken seriously
and requires prompt professional attention. Do not wait to see whether it
passes. Ask the young person directly about their thoughts, stay with them, and
contact a mental health professional without delay.
What Can
Affect a Child’s Mental Health
Mental
health challenges often develop through a combination of biological,
psychological, family, social and environmental factors. A child who has a
family history of mental illness may be more vulnerable, and so may a child who
has experienced stressful events. Such events include bullying or
discrimination; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; the loss of a loved one;
parental separation or divorce; ongoing family conflict; living with a chronic
illness; and academic or social difficulties. Poverty, housing instability and
other financial pressures also play a significant part, as can taking on
responsibilities beyond the child’s years, or witnessing violence or other
traumatic experiences. Mental health or substance use challenges within the
family can have an effect too.
Children
respond to difficult experiences in different ways. What one child manages
comfortably may overwhelm another, so it is important not to compare children
or dismiss a child’s feelings because a sibling seems to cope better.
How
Parents and Caregivers Can Help
The
most important starting point is to listen without judgement. Create an
environment in which children feel safe talking about their feelings, and try
to avoid immediately dismissing, criticising or rushing to fix what they are
experiencing. A child who feels heard is much more likely to share difficult
things in the future. Keeping communication open means asking how they are
doing and showing genuine interest in their friendships, their school life and
their everyday experiences, even when their answers are brief.
Watching
for changes is equally important. Pay attention to significant or persistent
shifts in mood, behaviour, sleep, eating, friendships and school performance,
and do not ignore them simply because they seem small. Children learn from the
adults around them, so modelling healthy ways of managing stress, expressing
emotions, solving problems and asking for help is one of the most powerful
things a caregiver can do.
Predictable
routines, age-appropriate boundaries and a stable home environment help
children feel secure. Play, conversation, shared meals and family activities
create opportunities to strengthen relationships and to notice when something
may be wrong. If emotional or behavioural difficulties persist, worsen, or
begin to interfere with school, relationships or everyday life, consider
speaking with a qualified mental health professional. Early help is always more
effective than waiting for a crisis.
Early
Support Makes a Difference
Seeking
mental health support for a child does not mean that something has gone
terribly wrong, and it does not reflect poorly on the parent. Early
intervention helps children understand their emotions, develop healthy coping
skills and prevent difficulties from becoming more severe. Parents, caregivers,
teachers and healthcare professionals all have a role in creating environments
where young people feel safe, heard and supported.
Our
Support for Children, Adolescents and Families
At
Chiromo Hospital Group, we provide professional mental health assessment and
individualised support for children, adolescents and their families. We work
alongside parents and caregivers, because children do best when the adults
around them are informed, supported and involved. If you are worried about a
child, you do not need to wait until the situation becomes severe. Listen to
them, notice the changes, take their feelings seriously and seek support when
it is needed.
Where to
Find Help
If
you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Chiromo Hospital Group
Emergency Line at +254 203 971 000, or come to the nearest Chiromo Hospital
Group facility.
CHG Support
• Call Emergency Line +254 203 971 000
