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Reaching developmental and emotional milestones, acquiring positive social skills, and learning how to deal with challenges are all part of growing up mentally well. Children who are mentally healthy enjoy life more and are better able to thrive at home, at school, and in their communities.

The formative years of life—childhood and adolescence—are crucial for mental health. The brain is undergoing fast growth and development at this period. In order to assume adult roles in society, children and adolescents develop cognitive and social-emotional skills that influence their long-term mental health.

The wellbeing and development of children and adolescents are influenced by the environment in which they are raised. Early adverse experiences in homes, schools, or online, such as being exposed to violence, having a parent or other carer who is mentally ill, being bullied, and living in poverty, raise the risk of mental illness.

Mental health problems affect around one in six children. The most common childhood mental health diagnoses are anxiety disorders, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Developmental disorders and psychotic illnesses in children can have a lasting effect on the child and his or her family, despite the fact that they are less frequent.
• Children's mental illness typically has multiple causes, just like it does for any other age group.
• Children with a psychiatric illness may have symptoms that are unique to their age and developmental stage in addition to the specific symptoms of each mental disorder.
• Comprehensive medical, developmental, and mental health evaluations are typically used to determine the diagnosis of a mental disease in children.
• For the management of childhood mental illness, there are numerous options available, including a number of potent drugs, educational or occupational therapies, as well as particular types of psychotherapy.

How can you support your child's mental health?

The following things can support children's mental health:

• having good physical health, following a healthy diet, and exercising frequently
• being able to play freely both indoors and outside
• having a family that gets along most of the time
• attending a school that prioritizes the wellbeing of all of its students
• participating in local activities
• Gentle parenting: Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations. Children’s development depends on your love and encouragement. Parents should also set a good example. You cannot expect self-control and self-discipline from a child if you do not practice this behavior.

Other elements, such as feeling loved, trusted, understood, and safe, are also crucial. Children who are resilient, upbeat, and who feel like they have some control over their lives and belong are more likely to be mentally well.