Durban - Childhood is often thought of as a carefree, happy time. However, many children and adolescents experience mental distress and an estimated 20 percent of South African youth suffer from a mental illness which impacts negatively on their daily life.
Zane Wilson, founder of the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), says it is becoming more apparent how important it is for schools to put in place mental health programmes.
Children are at risk from many external pressures such as bullying, abuse (both emotional and sexual), abject poverty, drug and substance abuse and family conflict, all of which can affect their mental well-being.
The frightening reality is that in parts of South Africa the percentage of children who have attempted suicide is as high as 23 percent. The average age of attempted suicide is 15. This high youth suicide rate shows that it can be dangerous to wait before getting help for a child.
How does an adult know whether a child or adolescent needs help, or if they are simply going through the difficulties of growing up?
Psychologist Shereen Abramowitz points out that if a parent notices that the child doesn’t seem him or herself or if something is amiss, pay attention to these potential warning signs. For instance, a child may play less, be more withdrawn or have a sudden drop in school marks.
A parent should also speak to the child and try to find out what’s going on.
Abramowitz says it is also important to acknowledge a child or adolescent if they ask for help to and listen to what they have to say. Talk of suicide should never be ignored.
In general, if a problem is severe, persistent and impacts on daily activities, it is an indication that help is needed.
Since many children and adolescents don’t ask for help, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of mental illness:
INFANTS AND TODDLERS:
Failure to grow and thrive.
Decreased pleasure in activities that should interest a child of his or her age.
Lack of social interest.
Little motor activity.
Excessive whining or crying, or too little crying.
Sad or deadpan facial expression; voicing sadness.
PRESCHOOLERS:
Frequent, unexplained tummy aches.
Headaches and fatigue.
Over-activity, excessive restlessness.
Irritability or low tolerance for frustration.
Frequent sadness.
Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities.
SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN:
Frequent, unexplained physical complaints.
Expressions of sadness, or morbid and suicidal thought.
Changes in sleep patterns or significant weight loss or gain.
Tearfulness, frequent worrying or low self-esteem.
Unprovoked hostility or aggressive behaviour.
Drop in marks, or refusal or reluctance to attend school.
Little interest in playing with peers.
ADOLESCENTS:
Drop in marks or behaviour problems at school.
Fatigue, or sleep pattern changes.
Social isolation, anti-social or delinquent behaviour.
Feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Inattention to appearance.
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, low self-esteem.
Eating-related problems.
Loss of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of mental illness, but some of the general symptoms include:
Inability to cope with daily problems and activities.
Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits.
Excessive complaints of physical ailments or physical symptoms for which no cause can be determined, such as recurrent stomach aches, nausea or headaches.
Defying authority, skipping school, stealing or damaging property.
Intense fear of gaining weight.
Long-lasting negative moods, often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death.
Frequent outbursts of anger.
Changes in school performance, such as poor marks despite good efforts.
Loss of interest in friends and activities.
Significant increase in time spent alone.
Excessive worrying or anxiety.
Can’t sit still, fidgety, restless, lack of concentration.
Persistent nightmares.
Persistent disobedience or aggressive behaviour.
Frequent temper tantrums.
Returning to an earlier phase of development, for example, bed-wetting.
Odd or repetitive movements.
Panic in response to a change in surroundings.
Hearing voices or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations).
Child injures him/herself intentionally.
Getting early treatment for a child or adolescent experiencing mental distress has a large impact. If left untreated, the problem could impact on anything from social relationships to school performance. Many childhood disorders are forerunners to more serious disorders in adulthood, so getting help could benefit the child both in the present and in the future.
If you are concerned, it is a good idea to gain more information by talking to teachers or others who have contact with the child. A professional experienced with children or adolescents will be able to give you a proper assessment. Sadag (011 783 1474/6) can help in locating a professional.
The Mercury