Childhood Alzheimer’s (NPC), childhood trauma, fear and anxiety - threats to child development.
The assumption that children do not experience mental health changes may be inaccurate and misleading, potentially exacerbating challenges for the child, their family, and the broader society. This is because the future of any society is contingent upon the well-being of its children. A society that neglects the development of sound children may miss out on the sustenance of its own development, as replacements for these individuals may emerge from the population.
One crucial fact we must acknowledge is that children can indeed face mental health challenges. However, it is essential for parents, guardians, caregivers, educators, and other gatekeepers in child development, care, and custody to be vigilant and responsible in recognizing these challenges. For instance, a child may have endured experiences such as abuse, treatment, or threats, which can lead to fear, shock, anxiety, stress, worry, or even panic. These traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental well-being, and they may not feel comfortable speaking up about them. Similarly, witnessing violent clashes between parents or experiencing frequent caning by teachers and caregivers can also be traumatic for children.
The primary objective of this writeup is to raise awareness about the mental health challenges that children face and the detrimental consequences they can have. Traumatic experiences encountered by children can lead to various mental health conditions, including dementia and ADHD. These challenges can result in neurocognitive decline, affecting children’s cognitive, emotional, and psychomotor development. Anxiety and fear in children can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty sleeping, irritability, and avoidance of daily activities. These fears and anxieties can trigger physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. They can also lead to problems with eating and cause negative thought patterns. These mental health issues can interfere with a child’s development, family dynamics, and school relationships and activities.
Childhood trauma can leave children with distressing experiences that, if not addressed, can negatively impact their brain health. This can manifest in memory issues, affecting their concentration and retention abilities, which can have a significant impact on their behavior. Childhood trauma can also motivate offending behavior in children. Furthermore, it can make children vulnerable and trigger cognitive impairment, leading to other behavioral changes that can lead them down negative pathways.
Extensive Mental Health Training for Key Stakeholders
Parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers, and other influential individuals must receive comprehensive mental health training to comprehend the techniques and methods for effectively addressing children at various stages of development. This training should provide a deep understanding of mental health and child psychology to prevent the perpetuation of children who have experienced traumatic events. Such events can have counterproductive effects on their child development.
All schools and organizations that interact with children should establish counseling and trauma units staffed by certified mental health professionals. Regular seminars and workshops on child mental health should be encouraged to foster continuous learning and awareness.
Coach Ebere Amaraizu, a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) coach, is also a U.S. IVLP Alumni who has dedicated his career to protecting women and children. Additionally, he holds certifications as a NIS Coach and Olympic sports administrator and manager. Currently, Coach Ebere Amaraizu serves as the Pioneer Chairman of the Rangers International Football Club Foundation and as a Lead Consultant to the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and Coli Mental Health Academy.
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