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The Mumbai Program Director & Clinical Psychologist at The MINDS Foundation. Honorary Associate Editor for the Indian Journal of Mental Health with over 100 National and International publications
Mental health is very important and it is more than just the lack of mental disorders.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. Put simply, good mental health allows us to be resilient, productive, and balanced, with the ability to succeed in work, school, interpersonal relationships, and more. Mental health can also be referred to as emotional or psychological well-being.
Mental Health Is Just As Important As Physical Health!
Due to the stigma it carries, mental health issues are often considered “not as important” as physical health issues. For example, many people would feel more comfortable taking time off of work for a broken leg than for a bout of depression as it may feel easier to explain to colleagues and more “real”. This is a big issue we face in our communities, as both conditions are equally valid and deserve the same professional attention, care, and community support.
The World Health Organization states that physical and mental health are both important in overall health:
Mental Health + Physical Health = Overall Health
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Why Is Mental Health Important For Children?
The mental health of children is very important because whatever the child learns in the initial years of their growth (upto 6-8 years old), is what they develop on in the coming years. Good mental health allows children to develop the strength, skills, and ability to cope with all situations in life and become healthy adults. Mental health also has a large impact on physical health, and impacts their ability to succeed in school, work, and as a member of society.
Good Mental Health Is Important So That Children
- Can develop socially and cognitively
- Can live positive experiences
- Can explore their potential to the fullest
- Can learn to form healthy relationships
- Can learn to cope with difficult situations
- Can succeed in school
- Don’t succumb to illnesses and weaknesses
- Have a generally optimistic approach to life
Credits:
Author: Pragya Lodha, MINDS Mumbai Program Director & Psychologist
Acknowledgements:
Ankita Gupta, MINDS Research Associate
Anoushka Thakkar, MINDS Research Associate
Roshni Dadlani, MINDS Communications Lead
References
- Cuellar, A. (2015). Preventing and Treating Child Mental Health Problems. The Future of Children, 25(1), 111-134. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/43267765
- Children’s Mental Health. (2021). Retrieved 4 August 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/basics.html
- de Girolamo, Giovanni & Dagani, Jessica & Purcell, R & Cocchi, Angelo & Mcgorry, Patrick. (2012). Age of onset of mental disorders and use of mental health services: Needs, opportunities and obstacles. Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences. 21. 47-57. 10.1017/S2045796011000746.
- Kessler, R. C., Amminger, G. P., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Alonso, J., Lee, S., & Ustün, T. B. (2007). Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature. Current opinion in psychiatry, 20(4), 359–364. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0b013e32816ebc8c
- MayoClinic (2021). Retrieved 5 August 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577
- NIMH » Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?. (2021). Retrieved 4 August 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
- Ogundele, M. (2018). Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians. World Journal Of Clinical Pediatrics, 7(1), 9-26. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v7.i1.9
- Tolan, P. H., & Dodge, K. A. (2005). Children’s mental health as a primary care and concern: a system for comprehensive support and service. The American psychologist, 60(6), 601–614. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
- Waddell, C., McEwan, K., Shepherd, C. A., Offord, D. R., & Hua, J. M. (2005). A public health strategy to improve the mental health of Canadian children. Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 50(4), 226–233. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370505000406
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
