Mental illnesses have existed from time immemorial, but for most of history, which includes much of medical history, they have often been considered moods or feelings as opposed to the serious health conditions, which they truly are. Much has changed with regard to people’s perceptions towards mental health over the last few years, in large part due to numerous high profile suicide cases by the likes of Anthony Bourdain, Robbin Williams, Avicci, and Chester Bennington to name a few. As a result, what was once a taboo subject is now finally being discussed in the open. But for all the advances in society’s openness to discuss the issue of mental health, one very important demographic has been left out; children.

Anxiety is common during childhood; the trouble begins when a prolonged phase results in the child actively avoiding certain activities or places. This is  usually accompanied by other closely related conditions like depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Here are some of the most common mental illnesses affecting children:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This is characterised by excessive worrying, usually pertaining to family issues, performance at school, and interpersonal relationships. Children who suffer from it often seek the approval of others to an unhealthy degree and are excessively unforgiving towards themselves.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Social Anxiety disorder is characterised by the intense fear of social situations like performing in front of crowds or in more extreme cases, even speaking to peers. It can severely restrict a child’s social interactions.

Panic Disorder

A child is suffering from panic disorder when they experience two or more panic attacks over a short period of time. A panic attack is a period of intense anxiety or fear, an increased heart rate, profuse sweating, shaking, and shortness of breath.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

This disorder is said to exist when a child experiences anxiety or apprehension whenever a parent is out of sight. This behaviour, while common in all young children, is indicative of SAD if it persists beyond late childhood.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This disorder affects children and teenagers and can continue into adulthood if not diagnosed earlier. Children experiencing this might be hyperactive and may be unable to control their impulses, or they may have trouble in paying attention. These behaviours interfere with school and home life.

Here are a few simple steps to overcoming mental illness:

• Exercise releases serotonin, a mood regulating hormone that increases the sensation of bliss and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Simply talking to a well-grounded expert and gaining knowledge of various exercises to cope with feelings, and anxiety and depression is an excellent way to reduce the impact.
• The last few years have seen enormous strides in anti-psychotic medications, when therapy is not as effective; medicine has proven to be an excellent second line of defence against mental illnesses. Like any medication, anti-psychotic drugs should only be taken after consultation with a qualified psychiatrist.
• Yoga and meditation are proven to reduce feelings of anxiety by calming the mind and releasing serotonin.

The writer is Dr Abizer Manked Consulting physician & diabetologist at Saifee hospital