Children’s Mental Health

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Why it matters and what you can do to help

Depression and anxiety are often thought of as adult problems. However, a new study shows that nearly 7.7 million children and teens in the U.S. – about one in seven – have a treatable mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1] Sadly, half of these kids are not receiving treatments for their problems.[1] “Untreated mental health disorders can have a debilitating impact on children’s healthful growth and throughout their transition to adulthood,” says lead author Dr. Daniel Whitney, Ph.D.[2]

The incidence of children’s mental health issues has soared in recent years.[3] Perhaps most alarming is the increase in self-injury, which often occurs in conjunction with depression and anxiety.[4],[5] The incidence of self-injury among 10- to 14-year-old girls, for example, has nearly tripled since 2009.[6]

Good mental health in childhood is imperative, as it enables children to cope with life’s challenges and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

Good mental health in childhood is imperative, as it enables children to cope with life’s challenges and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. Let’s look at some ways society and individuals can reduce the risk of mental health problems in children.

Risk factors for childhood mental health problems

Mental health problems in children often begin as a direct response to their environment and experiences.[7] Circumstances that increase the risk for mental health disorders include:

• Having a long-term physical illness
• Having a parent who has had mental health problems, problems with alcohol/drugs, or who has been in trouble with the law
• Experiencing the death of someone close to them
• Having parents who separate or divorce
• Having been severely bullied or physically/sexually abused
• Living in poverty or being homeless
• Experiencing discrimination, perhaps because of their race, sexuality, or religion
• Acting as a caregiver for a relative or taking on adult responsibilities

These are major, highly uncontrollable events (particularly for the child that is subject to them), but everyday lifestyle factors also can tip the balance between mental resilience and mental health problems. For example:

Poor diet

Scientists have found evidence of a link between unhealthy dietary patterns and poorer mental health in children and adolescents.[8] A recent global nutrition report found that one-third of children do not eat fruit or vegetables daily. This important food group provides crucial vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients to support brain health.

Even more worryingly, the report found that four in ten children drink at least one sugar-sweetened soft drink every day. Frequent sweetened beverage consumption has been shown to affect brain development, learning, and mood regulation in children.[8],[9] Children with ADHD, for example, were found to consume more high sugar and high fat foods, and less vegetable, fruit, and protein-rich foods than their non-ADHD counterparts.[10] Soft drink consumption is linked not only to behavior problems in children,[11] but also to poor sleep,[12] depression,[13] and obesity.[14],[15]

Social media/internet use

There’s no doubt that there has been a huge rise in internet use among children and young adults. According to a recent analysis, even 5- to 8-year-olds spend almost three hours per day either using smartphones, tablets or other devices, or watching TV.[16] Among 14- to 17-year-olds, high users of screens were more than twice as likely to have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety as low users.[17] The evidence also suggests that vulnerable adolescents who spend more time on online social networking have an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation.[18] In fact, the increase in screen time since 2010 may well account for the increases in depression and suicide among adolescents in that period.[19]

What keeps children and young people mentally well?

When we consider our children’s health we automatically think of a nutritious diet and plenty of physical exercise, preferably outdoors.[20] Other protective factors include:

• Being part of a family that gets along well most of the time
• Going to a school that looks after the well being of all its pupils
• Taking part in activities for young people
• Feeling loved, trusted, understood, valued, and safe
• Being interested in life and having opportunities to enjoy themselves
• Being able to learn and having opportunities to succeed
• Accepting who they are and recognizing what they are good at
• Having a sense of belonging in their family, school, and community

So what practical steps can adults take to help children develop resilient minds? Here are six areas that can be addressed:

1. Focus on a healthy diet

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend reducing added sugar consumption to less than 10% of calories per day and, specifically, choosing beverages with no added sugars.[21] You may not have total control over what your child eats, but introducing a daily fruit/veggie smoothie for breakfast or after school can help ensure that essential nutrients are consumed. Including supergreens powders in the smoothie can help boost the nutrient content.

2. Boost nutrition with supplements

Adequate intakes of micronutrients are essential for supporting the growth and development of children, as well as maintaining overall health across the lifespan. Nearly one third of the U.S. population over the age of nine is at risk of deficiency in at least one vitamin, or has anemia.[22] A comprehensive multivitamin and mineral supplement designed for children can address many if not all of their basic nutrient requirements.[22] Additional vitamin D supplementation may be particularly helpful for children with low sun exposure and/or allergies.

Brain development and mood are strongly influenced by the gut microbiota. A diet rich in fiber from vegetables helps support the right balance of gut bacteria, which can also be boosted with fermented foods like yogurt or kefir, prebiotic foods such as bananas and apples, and a daily good quality probiotic supplement.

3. Set limits on screen time

Less screen time, and more physical activity and sleep, are all associated with improved cognition and learning.[23] Experts suggest putting off buying smartphones for kids until they are emotionally ready and, when they get one, making sure their use stays under two hours a day (at which point, research suggests, the risks of mental health issues start to increase).[5] The World Health Organization further advises that children under age five should not have more than one hour of screen time per day, and that infants (under one year of age) should get none at all.[24]

4. Encourage children to take up a team sport or group hobby

Encouraging social inclusion with a group of like-minded children or teenagers can promote strong friendships, which are essential for a healthy mind. It doesn’t matter what the focus of the activities are, e.g. learning a musical instrument, craft or sport, but the act of doing something fun helps stimulate a child’s mind, and has the added benefit of reducing screen time.

5. Suggest keeping a positive diary

Keeping a diary or journal helps children (and adults) create order when their world feels like it’s in chaos. There’s always something good that happens in the day, even if it’s small, like someone laughing at your bad joke! Encourage children and teenagers to keep note of their happy times, accomplishments, feelings, and things they are grateful for. A diary can be helpful as a reminder of the good things in their lives and how amazing life can be!

6. Help them do something they love

It’s easy for children and teenagers to focus on things they don’t like about themselves, but, encouraging them to do something they love can leave them feeling proud of what they’ve achieved. For example, if they like cooking, then encourage them to enjoy the process of making the food and be proud of the finished product. Enjoy the meal as a family or group for even more socializing.

Summary

Trends in children’s mental health are raising alarm bells around the globe. However, it’s also clear that there are many things we can do to encourage and support the young people in our lives. Along with the suggestions in this post, extensive resources can be found at these links:

Mental Health America

National Alliance on Mental Illness

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Mental Health in Adolescents

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Children’s Mental Health

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