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<p><strong>MENTAL HEALTH </strong><br></p>
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<p>“My child is very moody.”<br>“My child doesn’t listen.”<br>“My child cries a lot.” <br>“My child doesn’t like to play with other children.”<br>“My child is so irritable.”<br>“My child cannot finish his schoolwork/homework on time.” <br>“My child’s grades are falling.”<br>“My child cannot concentrate.” <br>“My child is hyperactive.” <br>“I think my child is depressed.”</p>
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<p>Promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing is a core task for the overall development of a growing child.<br>It’s to be noted that all mental disorders are chronic diseases which begin in childhood.<br>Half of all the lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age of 14 yrs (early adolescence). Presently,  there is under- detection of mental health issues in children, but there is a gradual increase of primary care doctors in India focussing on screening for mental health concerns, using appropriate tools. Screening for mental health disorder does not provide a diagnosis but provides a way to start a conversation and start appropriate measures for intervention.<br>There exists a stigma about a referral to a mental health professional such as Psychiatrist or Counsellor, especially in regards to the children. What parents need to understand is that early detection or prevention of mental health issues is a major goal in the transitional period of development from a child to an adult.</p>
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