Will you commit to empower children struggling today?

By Freelance Contributor: Saba Khalil

Have you ever heard of mental illness? Well, you must have. This escalating issue has its roots in everyone, but particularly in young children. According to cdc.gov, about 4.5 million youth ( ages 3-17) will go through a mental health crisis or disorder, making 7.4% of the youth population.

This percentage only represents the identified cases, while many others go unidentified. Mental illnesses are as much of a problem as any other, but do we consider it one? Before we dig into it, let's understand why our mental health matters.

Mental Health is the wellbeing of the mind. The ability to withstand stress and to be in the right state of mind to make correct choices for oneself. Mental health issues are, no doubt, a big problem. Still, a bigger problem is the stigma that people don't seem to understand.

Understanding this matter is in and of itself an enormous issue the US faces. Society has failed to understand the equation of youth and mental health.

How could someone this young have a mental health problem? You are going through depression, but what could bother you? You see a physiatrist, what? Why?

These questions are a tiny bit of the larger-scale issues at play. What society is unable to acknowledge are the consequences the youth have endured. Let's find out some repeated mental health issues that prevail among youth.

Depression

One of the most familiar forms of mental health complications. Signs they struggle with depression: Mood swings, physical inability to do anything, disturbed sleeping, irritability, or irregular eating. Some have mistaken some of these signs as normal childhood behaviors. They are not and need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This disorder is usually a consequence of trauma a person has experienced in the past. Why is it common in youth? Youth's experiences deal with divorce, toxic environments, bullying, or any other unpleasant event. These can leave a traumatic effect on one's mind.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Repetitive thoughts a person has can trigger obsession(s) that one needs to see done in a certain way. These could be someone obsessing about cleanliness, arranging order, or wanting to have everything in a precise manner. This disorder is usually prevalent in young girls.

The list of problems can keep going, but the issues won't end. We need to consider finding out the causes of mental disorders. So they can be identified, and a person can seek professional help.

The reasons for mental disorders are specifically unknown. Still, there is a combination of factors that could lead to this possible situation.

It Runs In The Family

According to researches, it is proven that many youths will develop a mental health disorder(s). If any of their family members are diagnosed with a condition, they likely will too.

Illnesses or Brain Injuries

Brain injuries and health complications can cause mental health disorders. Health scares like cancer, or any other severe disease can disturb a person's mind. These situations can lead to depression and anxiety.

Other People's Behaviors

Life-wrecking experiences are the major causes of emotional damage to youths today. Any inappropriate use of power over an individual can leave them with nothing. Leaving a child with a shattered state of mind.

Every action has consequences, and every mental health disorder takes its toll on one's way of living.

Like pain in someone's leg leaves one staggering. Or someone with weak eye-sight can't see. A youth's negative life experiences can have a massive impact on their overall view of life.

These factors can have grave consequences. As a youth's brain develops, they start to grow into the person they will become. With unplanned life situations and unstable environments can affect a child forever. Here are personality traits children can develop when they experience severe hardships.

Shattered Confidence

Children who could prove themselves to the world are left with nothing. Their self-esteem is affected, feeling discouraged from doing what they are passionate about.

Suicidal Thoughts

One of the most harmful but likely outcomes is self-harming. It is an increasing concern of this age group whose brains have not fully developed yet. Because of this, they don't understand the long term outcomes that eventually play out. Many have ended up taking their own lives as a result.

Damaging Habits

These habits are also one of the expected behaviors, especially coming from adolescence. They see drugs or drinking as the only option, which can potentially destroy their young lives.

We have seen the dark side of mental health. It is comprehensive to say that mental health is as significant as physical health. A healthy mind allows the person to be more productive and efficient in every way possible.

So why not ask for help? Youths can take care of their minds. Adults can help by endorsing mental health the same way they encourage kids to care for the rest of their body. Below is a list of things one can do to help keep a child's mental health checked.

Talk to Someone

Encourage youths to talk to someone. It can be a parent, sibling, or any friend—someone a child can trust and understands. If they don't suffer from a mental health condition, encourage them to be a great friend to another youth. Supporting someone just by talking to them can help both out.

Seek Professional Help

A youth having painful thoughts or actions are encouraged to seek counseling. Trained therapists provide personal and specific mental treatments designed around their needs. Also remember, if they are prescribed any medication, please remind them to take it, if needed.

Give Yourself a Break

Believe it or not, sometimes all a youth may need is to retreat or spend time with positive people. A retreat can bring back that positive energy that might be missing. Sometimes being hard on yourself can lead to mental health problems.

At times, all the mind may need is a peaceful environment to rewind.

Mental health awareness should be recognized in the youth. Children are the rising victims of this issue. It shouldn't be ignored as it might lead to life-threatening complications that one does not want.

Watch out for yourself and the people around you. Be the reason for someone's smile; you never know what the other person is going through.

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