Interestingly, when we think about mental health, the vast majority of us will associate it with older teenagers and adults. However, Occupational Therapist Katison Ndumo teaches that mental health is something we need to be aware of when it comes to our children.
Having months dedicated to mental health awareness is absolutely critical. However, these tend to focus on issues that most people are diagnosed with in adulthood. Truthfully, the root causes of mental health challenges can be traced back to our earliest life experiences.
The World Health Organisation defines mental health as a state of wellbeing that allows individuals “to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.” Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Yet, society tends to view mental health challenges as issues that only arise in adulthood.
As a healthcare professional working closely with mental healthcare professionals, I’ve observed that many predisposing factors often originate in childhood, even as early as pregnancy and birth.
Mental health problems in children can stem from various factors, including genetic predispositions, childhood abuse, trauma, neglect, social isolation, loneliness, discrimination, poverty, unemployment, bereavement, chronic stress, long-term physical conditions, homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Children born into stressful, abusive, and impoverished environments are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders later in life.
Mental health in children involves:
- Reaching developmental and emotional milestones.
- Learning healthy social skills.
- Developing the ability to cope with problems.
Mentally healthy children generally enjoy a positive quality of life and function well at home, in school, and within their communities. Conversely, mental disorders in children can manifest as significant changes in how they typically learn, behave, or manage stress and daily challenges.
From birth, the bonding and attachment between a mother and her baby are crucial for the child’s development. When babies receive love, physical contact, smiles, warm embraces, and responsive care, they learn that the world is a safe place to play, learn, and explore. This foundation is vital for their overall wellbeing. Conversely, children who do not experience healthy bonding and attachment may struggle in adulthood, with research indicating that individuals diagnosed with personality disorders often lack this critical early connection. These individuals may develop a fear of abandonment and face challenges in maintaining healthy relationships.
While we may not always have the power to change our physical environment or socioeconomic status, as parents, we can control how we educate and empower ourselves. We can change how life plays out by embracing conscious parenting and acquiring the tools to cope with our stressors, traumas, and flaws. We have the power to raise mentally healthy children who will build strong, healthy communities for generations to come.
Let us teach ourselves, our parents, and our children to prioritise mental healthβfor our sake, for our children’s sake, and for the nation’s sake.
Katiso Ndumo
Occupational Therapist
References:
Modi, K., & Kalra, G. K. (2024). Family strengthening approach towards ensuring reintegration of children restored back to their families from institutionalised care settings in India. https://core.ac.uk/download/603345148.pdf
Kashyap, S., Kumar, S., & Krishna, A. (2014). Role of resilience as a moderator between the relationship of occupational stress and psychological health. Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 5(9), 1023-1026.
