Mental health - it starts with our children

As we head towards Mental Health month in October, and this year’s Mental Health Week (9-16 October) theme of “mental health starts with our children”, we thought we’d take a closer look at children’s mental health in Australia.

What is Mental Health?

According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

The early years of life are critical for brain development and functioning, learning and wellbeing. From very early on, children are shaped and influenced by a range of social, biological and environmental factors – all of which can impact on their mental health throughout life.

For infants and children, good mental health is just as important as physical health to their overall long-term health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Sound mental health provides an essential foundation of stability which can support all other aspects of human development, including the ability to form friendships, cope with adversity, and achieve success in school, work and community life.

This video from Harvard University’s Centre on the Developing Child explains just how important those early childhood relationships and interactions are for mental health>>

Childhood Mental Health – The Stats

While the Australian Government’s report into the health welfare of Australian children notes that most kids are healthy, safe and doing well, it also reports that mental health conditions are impacting 314,000 (or close to 14 per cent) children aged 4-11 years, with boys more commonly affected than girls.

There are a number of factors impacting on the mental health of Australia’s children, including:

Parent Mental Health – 25% of young Australians grow up in a household where a parent of caregiver experiences mental illness.
Family Violence – research suggests that 25% of children are exposed to family violence.
Parent Alcohol Use – 13% of Australian children live in a household with at least one parent binge drinking.
Sleep Patterns – 30% of 7-18 year olds report lack of sleep, high levels of stress and depressive symptoms.

In Australia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common disorder for children, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the second and third most common disorders experienced by children.

ADHD is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood. Children with ADHD may find it hard to concentrate and may become hyperactive to the point where the condition can interfere with their schooling, friendship or family life.

Anxiety is a normal part of childhood. Most of the time, worries are short-lived and will go away. However, when a child’s anxiety stops them from getting the most out of life or they start to experience avoidance behaviours and/or physical symptoms (such as headaches and stomach aches or trouble sleeping); it could be a sign of something more serious.

Depression is another common disorder in children and is more likely to occur in the years leading up to puberty. It can often be linked to stressful triggers such as family difficulties, the birth of a sibling, social changes from moving to a new house or school, or bullying. The signs of depression in children include:

being very sad or cranky for a few weeks;
losing interest in normal daily activities;
being more negative than usual; and
having sad thoughts and feelings that stop them enjoying life.

Impact of COVID-19 on Child Mental Health

The last two years of living with a pandemic have challenged even the toughest and strongest of minds, but what impact has living with the constant uncertainty and change around COVID-19, as well as lockdowns and reduced social interaction, had on our children and their mental health?

A National Youth Mental Health Survey conducted by headspace in 2020 found that COVID-19 appeared to have an impact on young people’s wellbeing, with those in the 12-14 and 22-25 year age groups reporting a decline in their ability to carry out daily activities and cope with stress.

Another report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that, compared with older age groups, young people have experienced high rates of psychological distress, loneliness, educational disruption, unemployment, housing stress and domestic violence throughout the pandemic.

The demand for services providing phone and online support for children (such as Kids Helpline) has also increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How can we help children maintain good mental health?

The most important factor influencing any child’s mental health and wellbeing is having long lasting, safe and secure relationships with their family, including extended family and carers.

Just as with adults, other factors that can help children improve their mental health and prevent mental health issues from developing include:

Getting enough sleep.
Eating well.
Getting enough regular physical activity.
Maintaining consistent routines and social interactions.
Creating a supportive environment by spending time together with friends and family.
Encouraging open discussions about feelings, concerns and/or worries

If you do have any concerns about your child’s mental health, then speak to your GP who can make suggestions or refer you to other healthcare professionals for additional support, if required.

You may also find this checklist from Beyond Blue helpful>>

To make an appointment with any of our GPs at Illawarra Medical Centre, book online or phone us on (08) 9208 6400.

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