Prioritising Children's Mental Health In A Changing World
In India, more than 35,000 students died by suicide between 2019 and 2021
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Current trends and statistics have highlighted mental health to be a critical cause of concern, especially in children. According to a study by UNICEF, globally, 1 in 7 adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age are suffering from mental health disorders1. In India, more than 35,000 students died by suicide between 2019 and 2021. These numbers reflect an urgent need to address the situation and take immediate action. The underlying factors include increasing societal pressure, academic stress, and unsupervised exposure to digital technology, which present many emotional and psychological challenges for children.
The growing mental health crisis
In the past few years, the world has become more complex, and it has led to changes that previous generations have never witnessed. The pandemic witnessed disrupted mental health conditions due to the isolation, economic strain and challenges faced in education. The years after the pandemic have only deepened the issue.
India is not unaffected by this situation. The National Crime Records Bureau found that 8% of all suicide deaths in the country in 2021 were children. The year saw 13,089 student deaths by suicide. There is also a troubling 70% rise in student suicides over the past decade3. This reflects that adequate support is not provided to children and adolescents in India when it comes to mental health.
The importance of early intervention
The major symptoms observed in children suffering from mental health disorders are increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, disrupted sleep schedules, or declining academic performance. Unfortunately, family and friends are often unable to recognise these signs and neglect them as typical childhood behaviour and, as a result, they fail to intervene timely. Early detection and intervention can reduce the impact of mental health issues in children and prevent negative long-term impact on them. Thus, the caretakers are strongly advised to be attentive of their child’s unexpected behaviours and provide timely support and care.
The role of families and schools
Families are the cornerstone of mental health support for children. Communication is the key to sharing emotions and thoughts that can lead to a healthy mental space thus children must be provided with a judgement-free zone to express themselves. While physical health is important, parents and guardians must recognise the crucial role that mental health plays in a child’s holistic development.
It is crucial to remove the stigma surrounding mental health since misunderstandings in society can stop children and families from seeking assistance, causing them to face long-lasting challenges. Parents may worry that recognising mental health problems in their children could be seen as a reflection of their parenting skills or they might not grasp the significance of intervening early. This is the reason why it is just as important to educate parents. It enables them to identify signs of distress, comprehend the intricacies of mental health, and take initiative in offering the needed support. Parents who are well-educated are more prepared to overcome obstacles, encourage positive emotional growth, and access professional assistance when necessary to ensure their child's emotional and mental well-being flourishes.
Educational institutions like schools and tuition also play a crucial role. There are several stigmas associated to mental health which can only be overcome by normalising and including mental health education in school curricula. Topics like emotional regulation, pressure and stress management must be taught in schools. Everyone needs someone to talk to, hence providing access to trained counsellors, facilitating peer support networks, and alleviating academic pressure can help create a more nurturing and healthy school environment.
The impact of technology
Technology has become an inevitable part of children’s lives in recent years. While it has enhanced the communication and learning skills of children, it comes with some serious mental damage. The influence of social media has exacerbated feelings of insufficiency and insecurity which has led to children feeling anxious and depressed and have even been subjected to cyberbullying. Children often compare themselves to the often-unrealistic portrayals of life. This in turn can distort a child’s self-perception during their formative years.
Children are especially vulnerable to these negative impacts as their brains, particularly the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation), are still in the development phase. Setting boundaries around screen time, encouraging real-world social interactions, and fostering mindful engagement with technology can help mitigate its harmful effects on children’s mental health.
Building resilience
Amidst these challenges, building resilience in children is crucial. Resilience allows them to adapt to adversity, manage stress, and recover from setbacks with greater confidence. Encouraging a growth mindset, teaching problem-solving skills, and promoting emotional regulation can significantly contribute to a child’s resilience. Safe spaces where children feel free to express their emotions and receive consistent support are equally important.
Amidst mounting academic and social pressures, resilience is a buffer that helps children thrive. Positive coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and activities that build self-esteem, can have a profound impact on their overall mental well-being.
The road ahead
As per a study by UNICEF, nearly 50 per cent of Indian adolescents experience mental health issues but are unable to seek professional help due to the prevalent stigma surrounding it. Thus, it becomes imperative that emotional wellbeing of children should be recognised and prioritised in the same manner as physical health. This can begin by including mental health education into children's curriculum and providing them a judgement-free environment where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) has also recognised the need for mental health support in schools, advocating for the introduction of wellness programs and emotional counselling as part of the education system.
Programs like the Ministry of Health’s "Manodarpan" initiative, launched to provide psychosocial support for students during the pandemic, showed us how collaborative efforts can address mental health challenges. While educators can encourage emotional resilience and self-regulation skills, governments on their part can allocate more resources to mental health programs specifically targeting children and adolescents.
School counselors are essential in this process, providing regular sessions and awareness programs that help students understand and manage their emotions, create coping mechanisms, and strengthen resilience. These efforts ensure that mental health is addressed proactively within the school environment, cultivating a culture of openness and support for emotional well-being.
Children are the future of a country. It is important to understand that the core of mental health lies in assessing its relevance for a child's holistic development and ensuring that every child has the tools to lead a fulfilling, mentally healthy life. By integrating mental health support into education, healthcare, and family systems, and by reducing the stigma associated with mental disorders, we can collectively build a future where children are empowered to face challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope.
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