Mental health is one of the most important things to focus on in our society. Why? Because suicide is becoming more and more prevalent these days and it’s downright frightening. Children as young as ten and eleven years are taking their own life, at an age where they should be playing outside and not having a care in the world. The number of young adults who have poor mental health is on the rise. Adults are constantly fighting depression and often loosing to it. In days where positive mental health is being encouraged more than ever, actions are still not being taken at the right time and by the right people.
Depression and poor mental health has no age, gender, race or class, but the positive thing about it is that it doesn’t have to end in suicide. I feel that there are two major factors that play an important role in a child’s life while growing up that affects their mental health and their chances of falling into depression. Here are some thoughts on this topic.
Parenting
I believe parents play the most important role during the time of a child’s upbringing that affects their mental health. Parents always want the best for their children, but unintentionally harm their future and mental health. A parent who always gives a child what he or she wants is setting the child up for failure later in life. If a child grows up thinking he/she will get everything they want and when they don’t get something, the child will be devastated. Teach children that they can’t get everything they want or even everything they need in life. Sometimes, they have to work for it and even then, they may not get it. That is life. Giving children ridiculous amounts of toys, gadgets and material things is also not a good thing. They will learn at a young age to find happiness in material goods. Instead, spend time with your children, teach them about responsibility, give them a purpose and prepare them for the real world.
Society
Schools, cultural communities, religious institutes and other local communities also play a role in mental health for children and youth. Youth often get their inspiration and their lack of it from these places as well as home. These institutions are for the community and should help by recognizing people who need assistance, helping with depression and being a moral support for the youth.
Recently however, all these communities are less interested in it’s members and more in social media. They are more involved in showing off what is happening and gaining new members. Schools are more focused on fundraising, school games and pressure on kids for college. Cultural communities are focused on hosting big events, having high end group trips and more. Religious communities and leaders are focused on having a bigger place of worship, posting more on social media and assisting people in other countries.
It’s time for a change. Focus FIRST on your own children and their mental health needs. Provide them with emotional support more than emphasizing their talents or grades. Teach them to grow with failures, non materialistic happiness and inner strength. Give them attention so that they don’t go searching for it elsewhere. Stop comparing your children to other children or downplaying their accomplishments. After all, good mental health, like charity, starts at home and then extends into the community.
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