Why should you care?
“You’re not pretty!”
“You’re too emotional… Man up!”
If any of these have ever been said to you, the chances are that you first heard those words sometime between childhood and adolescence. Now think about how those statements have subtly influenced your mental health, possibly producing anxiety, insecurity, body dysmorphia or repressed emotions in you as an adult. In fact, most of the mental health problems adults grapple with can be traced back to events in childhood. Think about that for a second!
A 2024 study published in Elsevier’s Acta Psychologica Journal by Turkish researchers Sanli, Cicek, Yildirim and Ceri, shares that “positive and negative experiences that individuals experience during childhood play an important role in their development process of physical, cognitive and psychological health.”
But first, let’s really define mental health and how it applies to children. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “Child mental health, is the complete well-being and optimal development of a child in the emotional, behavioral, social, and cognitive domains.” A 2022 updated article published by the American Psychological Association (APA), also says that “Mental health—an essential part of children’s overall health—has a complex interactive relationship with their physical health and their ability to succeed in school, at work, and in society.”
Childhood mental health deserves as much attention as physical health, yet it often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. In today’s fast-paced world, where kids are constantly absorbing information and juggling pressures, their mental well-being can easily slip under the radar. But the truth is, a child’s emotional and psychological health lays the foundation for how they’ll navigate life as adults. Mental health in childhood involves achieving key emotional and developmental milestones, developing strong social skills, and learning how to manage challenges in a healthy way.
Imagine a child as a young tree. If that tree gets strong roots early on, it will stand tall and be resilient to storms. The same goes for children. If their mental health is nurtured from a young age, they’re more likely to develop into confident, resilient individuals who can handle the ups and downs of life. But if they don’t get the support they need, they might struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues later in life.
It’s important to remember that mental health doesn’t mean the absence of problems. Even kids will face challenges like stress or fear. It’s about giving them the tools to manage these feelings in a healthy way. Think of it as teaching a child how to ride a bike. You wouldn’t expect them to know how to do it right away, but with patience, guidance, and a few falls, they eventually get the hang of it. Similarly, kids need help learning how to manage emotions and navigate tough situations.
Always remember that while children can feel several emotions, they often don’t know how to name those emotions or manage them. As adults, we need to provide guidance by helping them identify and describe how they are feeling. Because children often struggle with describing emotions and knowing whether something has even impacted their mental health negatively, adults need to become more observant and sensitive to their needs and experiences so we can support them effectively.
One key part of supporting childhood mental health is creating a safe environment where kids feel heard and understood. When children feel like they can express their emotions without judgment, they’re more likely to open up. Simple acts like listening, validating their feelings, and giving them time to talk can make a huge difference. It’s also essential to teach kids about self-care from a young age—whether that’s through mindfulness practices, encouraging creativity, or just letting them have time to play and relax.
Finally, it’s crucial to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Kids pick up on how adults talk about emotions and mental wellness. If they see it’s okay to seek help or talk about their feelings, they’ll be more comfortable doing so themselves. By investing in children’s mental health, we’re not just helping them in the present; we’re equipping them with lifelong skills that lead to happier, healthier futures.
References
- Mehmet Emin Şanli, İlhan Çiçek, Murat Yıldırım, Veysi Çeri, “Positive childhood experiences as predictors of anxiety and depression in a large sample from Turkey”, Acta Psychologica, Volume 243, 2024, 104170, ISSN 0001-6918, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104170.
- Barwick, M. and Urajnik, . Diana (2024, August 5). Child mental health. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/child-mental-health
- American Psychological Association, (2022, May), Children’s Mental Health, Why is children’s mental health important? https://www.apa.org/topics/children/mental-health