Positive Mind Works
It’s always easier to empathise with suffering when we can clearly see it, such as a child with a broken leg. However, the suffering of a child with mental health problems is far less noticeable. In fact, many children with emotional issues keep their pain a secret and many never receive the clinical care they need due to reasons such as stigma, shame, fear or misunderstandings about mental disorders.
Debunking these myths about children’s mental health is essential in order to help more youths get the help that they deserve. Here are five common misconceptions:
Myth # 1: A Child with a mental illness is damaged for life
A mental health problem is by no means an indication of your young ones potential for future fulfilment and happiness. Mental health issues are very common and we have effective ways of addressing these difficulties. If their struggle is recognised and properly treated – the sooner, the better – they have a excellent chance of overcoming their symptoms and developing into a healthy adult.
Myth # 2: Mental issues are a result of personal weakness
It may be hard to separate the symptoms of your child’s mental problem, for example, aggressiveness, anxiety or impulsive behaviour, from their character. But a psychological disorder is an illness, just like diabetes and is not a personality type. Children can’t be expected to overcome such issues on their own, but with an effective diagnosis and treatment plan, they can recover.
Myth 3: Psychological disorders are due to bad parenting
While it’s true that their home environment and relationships with parents can at times aggravate some concerns, they don’t cause it. Issues such as depression, anxiety, learning disorders and autism are thought to be related to a complex combination of nature, nurture and individual differences- Your parenting isn’t at fault. That said, parents do play a vital role in providing the care the child needs to aid recovery.
Myth 4: A child should manage mental illness through willpower
A psychological disorder is not just a dip in mood or mild anxiety; it can cause severe dysfunction and distress. Young ones don’t have the life experience needed to know that help is available and that they do not need to simply ‘tolerate’ mental health concerns.
Myth 5: Therapy for children is a waste of time
Treatment for childhood psychological disorders uses the latest evidence-based treatment programs, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. This focuses on changing thoughts, behaviours and feelings that are causing the underlying problems. What’s more, research shows that the first few years during which symptoms occur are when treatment is most successful.
If one of your children is struggling with mental health problems, reach out to a professional. Getting the help they need now will help them to go on to live a happy and fulfilled life.
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