The Silent Struggle: Understanding And Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being | Health and Fitness News
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Emotional health challenges among children are on the rise. Experts explain common mental health issues, early warning signs, and how timely support can help children thrive.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to recognise warning signs by paying close attention to changes in a child’s behaviour, personality, or emotional state that persist for more than a few weeks or significantly disrupt daily life at home, school, or in social settings.
“In today’s world, emotional health challenges among children and adolescents are steadily increasing, and we must recognise that mental health issues are just as real as physical illnesses. What children need most is understanding, early intervention, and consistent support from the adults in their lives. Research shows that half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by the age of 14, and nearly 75 per cent by age 24. Addressing these signs early can make all the difference, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow into a healthy, resilient, and well-adjusted adult,” says Nuwaira Pasha, Director, The One School.
Common mental health issues in children
Children today experience a range of mental health issues similar to adults, though their symptoms may present differently. These challenges are often identified through noticeable changes in behaviour, thinking patterns, and emotional responses.
“Anxiety is currently one of the most common mental health concerns in children. It involves excessive fear, worry, or anxiety that is difficult to control and interferes with daily activities at school or home,” adds Dr Sindhura Narayana, co-founder, The One School.
Signs such as separation anxiety (extreme distress when away from parents), generalised anxiety (excessive worry about multiple issues), and panic attacks (sudden, intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heart rate or shaking) are increasingly common. Many children also experience frequent physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches with no clear medical cause. Behavioural indicators such as avoiding social situations, extreme clinginess, perfectionism, and fear of making mistakes can further impact emotional well-being.
Depression and other mood disorders
While mood swings are a normal part of development, persistent sadness or irritability may indicate depression.
Warning signs include prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less), changes in eating habits (eating more or less), difficulty concentrating, and persistent feelings of guilt. In severe cases, self-injury behaviours or talking about death or suicide are critical warning signs and must be reported immediately to teachers, caregivers, or medical professionals for timely intervention.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD involves a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Signs of inattention include difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, frequently losing belongings, and struggling to follow instructions.
Signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity include fidgeting or squirming, difficulty sitting still, excessive talking, and frequently interrupting others.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD may develop after a child experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Symptoms include nightmares, persistent intrusive thoughts, intense fear or sadness, and re-experiencing memories of the traumatic incident.
Behavioural disorders
Behavioural disorders involve persistent patterns of defiant or aggressive behaviour. These include Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), characterised by ongoing defiance toward authority figures, and conduct disorder, which involves serious rule-breaking and aggressive behaviour toward others.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to recognise warning signs by paying close attention to changes in a child’s behaviour, personality, or emotional state that persist for more than a few weeks or significantly disrupt daily life at home, school, or in social settings.
“The most effective way to address mental or emotional health issues is through a combination of early detection, open communication, and, when necessary, professional support,” concludes Nuwaira Pasha, Director, The One School.
January 11, 2026, 08:38 IST
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