The childhood period is the time which extends between the birth of a child and adolescence. It is
divided into stages, which comprise of;
Infancy period– Birth to 1 year
Toddling stage – 1 to 3 years
Pre-school – 3 to 5 years
School age– 6 to 10 years
Pre-adolescence- 11 to 12 years
Mental health is the state of well-being in which an individual realizes their potential, is able to cope
with the stresses of life, can work fruitfully and productively, and contributes positively to society.
Childhood mental health involves a child attaining emotional and developmental milestones
appropriate for age, learning healthy social skills, and coping when there are problems.
IMPORTANCE OF CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH
Usually, when it comes to discussions about mental health, we tend to leave children out of it. However,
research has shown that mental health issues can occur in children. The awareness about mental health
in children is crucial to their development and ability to withstand the challenges that come with life.
And the importance is undermined. The significance includes;
- Brain development: Before the age of 5, about 90% of the brain develops. Good mental health
at this stage reduces the risk of developing mental health disorders. - It helps children build positive emotional, social, behavioural, thinking, and communication
skills. - Developing good mental health improves children’s quality of life, promoting overall good
health and well-being throughout their lifespan. - Mental health allows children to function better at home, school and in their communities.
- Mental health helps children build resilience, which makes it possible to solve problems they
encounter.
Globally, the prevalence of childhood mental health disorders is 13.6%. In the US, 1 in 6 children are
diagnosed with mental health disorders. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 7 children experience mental health
challenges, and 1 in 10 meet the criteria to diagnose a mental health disorder in childhood. In Nigeria,
10 to 20% of children have mental health disorders, and the services to address these problems are not
accessible.
WAYS TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN
- Creating a supportive and healthy environment for your child: Spending quality time with your
child doing activities they enjoy promotes their mental health and acknowledging their feelings.
Breastfeeding in the early years of life makes mother-to-child bonding possible, which reduces the
risk of mental health disorders. - Seeking professional help for children with mental health disorders.