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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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<p><strong>“BUILDING RESILIENCE” - CRUCIAL PROTECTIVE FACTORS </strong></p>
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<p>Children with higher levels of the following factors are less likely to engage in risky health behaviours. Some of these Protective factors are :</p>
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<ul><li>A parenting style that is loving and supportive</li><li>High self - esteem&nbsp;</li><li>Coping skills, to cope with anxiety and stress</li><li>Positive relationships with peers</li><li>Healthy involvement in school activities</li><li>Healthy engagement with adults outside the home&nbsp;</li><li>Ability and opportunity to express and discuss their feelings</li><li>Parents who are coping well with life themselves are good role models.</li></ul>
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<p>These Protective factors enhance the Child's resilience to face adversity.     <br>A resilient child is one who is socially competent, confident, with problem-solving skills, and a sense of purpose and future. </p>
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<p><strong>&nbsp;SUBSTANCE ABUSE</strong></p>
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<p>Most children at some point in their growing up years are faced with a situation where they have to decide whether to start experimenting with smoking, drinking alcohol, and even drugs.<br>We need to prepare the adolescent in advance, by educating them about substance use, before he/she comes across such a situation with peers. Early initiation of use leads to higher chances of addictions, due to the effect on the developing adolescent brain. Delaying the debut or initiation is one important protective factor. Alcohol and drug use has serious health concerns. Mistakes made due to impaired judgement under the influence of substance can have life-changing implications,  such as the risk of motor vehicle accidents. </p>
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<p>Adolescents have an intense desire to belong to a peer group and be accepted by them. Prepare your adolescent how to say “No” when offered the first cigarette or alcoholic drink or drug by peers.<br>Parents need to remember that they are looked upon as role models and that adolescents may follow in their footsteps.</p>
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