Mental health challenges faced by children: Breaking the silence

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a child who can’t express their feelings? According to World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 4 children faces a mental health disorder worldwide. While childhood is seen as carefree, many young minds silently battle emotional struggles that often go unnoticed, misunderstood, or ignored.

Understanding mental health challenges in children

Children, just like adults, can experience a range of mental health issues that deeply affect their ability to grow, learn, and connect. Some of the most common signs of children’s mental health challenges are:

• Anxiety disorders: Often mistaken for shyness or moodiness, anxiety in children can manifest as fear, irritability, or even physical symptoms like stomach aches.
• Depression: Persistent sadness, withdrawal from friends, or changes in sleep and eating patterns may point to depression.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterised by difficulty focusing, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity, ADHD can interfere with academic and social development.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Children with ASD may struggle with communication, social interaction, and sensory processing.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to traumatic events, whether abuse, violence, or loss can lead to PTSD, marked by nightmares, emotional numbness, or hypervigilance.

Why early intervention matters

Early detection and support can change a child’s life. Providing coping education and a safe space to express feelings is crucial, both at home and school.

Early intervention in schools

Implementing emotional literacy programs

Planning programs that help children recognise, understand, and manage their emotions from an early age is crucial. This can be done through daily emotion check-ins, storytelling sessions, or encouraging painting, music, or even journals.

Training teachers to identify early warning signs

When teachers are trained, it equips them to spot behavioural or emotional changes before they escalate. Schools can conduct mental health workshops, observation protocols, and inclusivity sessions including bullying.

Bonding with children through sports and activity workshops

Bonding through extracurricular activities fosters trust, expression, and teamwork beyond the classroom. It can be achieved through structured playtime, art-based learning, life-skill sessions, or group sports.

Creating inclusive classrooms that respect neurodiversity

To ensure every child feels seen, valued, and supported regardless of their unique needs, inclusivity can be encouraged through flexible seating, personalised or engaging learning aids, and sensitisation sessions for students.

Early intervention at home

Encouraging their firsts in every step

Celebrating small wins boosts a child’s confidence and emotional resilience. Simple praise or acknowledging their efforts helps build self-esteem and a sense of worth.

Correcting their behaviour, not them

Guiding actions without hurting a child’s self-worth fosters growth. For example, say “That was rude to say” instead of “You’re rude” to encourage understanding without labeling.

Maintaining open communication without judgment

Creating a safe space helps children express their feelings freely. Bedtime talks, open-ended questions, or drawing activities can make them feel secure and better understand their emotions.

Validating children’s emotions instead of dismissing them

Children deserve to make mistakes and feel heard. It validates their emotions which helps them feel safe and understood. This can be done through active listening, empathy, and saying, “It’s okay to feel this way.”

Bonding with children through playful activities

Play strengthens emotional bonds while giving children a healthy outlet for stress and creativity. Activities like board games, pretend play, crafts, or dancing help them open up naturally.

CRY UK's role in providing mental health support for children

CRY UK supports underserved children whose childhoods are disrupted by poverty, early labour, abuse, trafficking, and illness. They empower these children with education, healthcare, and protection, while also helping them recover emotionally and rebuild what was lost, enabling them to thrive.

Conducting Life Skills Sessions: Organising interactive sessions that help children reflect on their goals, beliefs, and aspirations, boosting self-confidence and self-awareness.

Bonding through sports coaching: Encouraging discipline, patience, and teamwork, the key traits that support emotional balance and better decision-making.

Child Activity Centres: Conducting workshops on child rights and social issues like period shame, child marriage, and child labour, promoting open conversations.

Interactive creative workshops: Engaging children in fun activities like painting, visiting card making, or creating teaching-learning materials helps them reflect on their aspirations. Such creative expressions allow ideas to take shape, nurturing their mental well-being.

While significant strides have been made in addressing children's mental health, the journey is far from over. Charities like CRY UK along with your unwavering commitment can help continue to bridge the gaps. Let’s ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive emotionally and achieve their full potential.