Debunking 6 child mental health myths

Myth: Children Won’t Recover From Mental Illnesses And Will Have To Live With It For The Rest Of Their Growing Years.

Fact: With modern medical revolution and therapeutic intervention available, treatment for children’s mental health issues are available. A supportive environment at home and school are conducive to better recovery. Some illnesses may take longer to recover (except for illnesses like autism spectrum disorder, severe intellectual delay or other complications which may be lifelong conditions).

Myth: Mental Illness Is A Consequence Of Personal Weaknesses

Fact: It can be difficult to separate the symptoms of psychiatric disorder that a child may be suffering from (impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, or extreme anxiety) from a child’s personality. But a psychiatric disorder is an illness, just like diabetes or typhoid, and not a personality type. This can be managed with the help of their parents, an effective diagnosis and treatment plan.

Myth: Therapy For Children Is A Waste Of Time.

Fact: Therapy today most commonly uses

Today’s best evidence-based treatment programs for children and adolescents use cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are causing them serious problems. Therapies are adapted to a level that children and adolescents can understand and adapt to. There are therapies specific to children, as and when the need arises (play therapy, filial therapy, art therapy).

Myth: Psychiatric Medication Is Not For Children.

Fact: The truth, however, is that medically sound psychiatrists use enormous care when deciding whether and how to start a child on a treatment plan that includes medication — usually along with behavioral therapy. The dosage of medication is taken care of for the children. 

Myth: Children And Adolescents Can Grow Out Of The Mental Illnesses They Suffer From.

Fact: Children are less likely to “grow out” of psychiatric disorders than they are to get into more debilitating conditions. Most mental health problems left untreated in childhood become more difficult to treat in adulthood. Since we know that most psychiatric disorders emerge before 15 years, we should have huge incentive to screen young people for emotional and behavioral problems.

Myth: Mental Illness Is The Same As Mental Disability. The Child Will Not Be Able To Do Anything If They Suffer From A Mental Illness.

Fact: The two are very different and involve differing treatment and care plans. A mental disability is a cognitive disability, and mental illness has nothing to do with a child’s mental capabilities. It does not mean that the child cannot do anything if he suffers from a mental illness.

Myth: A Child With Mental Illness Cannot Go To School, Have Relationships Or Lead A Regular Life.

Fact: The mental illness in a child in most cases can be managed well with medical and therapeutic interventions. Worldwide, around 10-20% of children and adolescents suffer from a mental illness but that does not mean they cannot go to school or don’t have friends. With appropriate care, they can also lead a regular life while managing their illness.