Mental Health A-Z: Dr Nimesh Desai Explains All About Childhood Mental Health

Mental health is an overlooked aspect of health especially when it comes to kids’ mental health. Most people are unaware of children's mental health issues which increases the risk. In our special series ‘A-Z of Mental Health’ Dr Nimesh Desai, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist & Former Director IHBAS Delhi talks about mental health issues in children and steps to be taken to manage the condition.

According to Dr Desai, most mental health problems go unnoticed. In our society, it is often said that children do not suffer from mental issues which is nothing but a myth. As per Dr Desai, if mental health issues in children are not addressed during their childhood, they are highly likely to experience mental and psychological woes in adulthood or later in life. Thus, it is important to address them as early as possible.

Common mental health issues in children:

• Bedwetting/Enuresis
• Conduct disorder
• School  refusal
• Suicide behaviour
• Depression
• Peer group impact
• Food fads
• Body image disturbances

It is seen that mental health issues in children are lesser due to their own reasons but there are other reasons triggering these issues such as:

• Family conflicts and problems
• Peer pressure in schools
• Issues with teachers or school management

In short, there can be many conditions that may put the mental health of a child at stake. It is important that parents watch out for the signs and consult a doctor immediately to manage the condition.