Educational psychologists have said mental health challenges can lead to decreased academic performance in students.
Dr Julius Samson of the Department of Educational Psychology at the Federal University of Education in Zaria, Kaduna State, noted that issues such as anxiety (fears, worries, phobias), mood swings, sadness, withdrawal, behavioural problems (aggression, impulsivity), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sleep disturbances were symptoms of mental health challenges in children.
The theme of Mental Health Day 2024 celebrated on October 10, is ‘Time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.’
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH to commemorate 2024 Mental Health Day, Samson added that changes in appetite, social withdrawal, and self-harm or suicidal thoughts were also prevalent among learners.
“Yes, learners (children and adolescents) can experience mental health challenges. According to the World Health Organisation, 10-20 per cent of children and adolescents worldwide experience mental health disorders. These challenges can affect their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being.”
He identified several causes of mental health challenges in children, including family dynamics (conflict, divorce, abuse), bullying and peer pressure, academic stress, social media addiction, trauma (loss, neglect, abuse), genetic predisposition, chronic illness or disability, social isolation, loneliness, poverty, and socioeconomic disparities.
He appealed to teachers to “create a supportive classroom environment, identify early warning signs, provide accommodations and modifications, foster positive relationships, collaborate with mental health professionals, implement mental health education, provide counseling services, promote social-emotional learning, foster a positive school culture, and support teacher training.”
Also speaking, a clinical psychologist at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Dr Adebimpe Oluwasayo, explained that mental health encompasses children’s mental, emotional, and behavioural well-being, adding that it always affects how children think, feel, and act.
“It also plays a role in how children handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way they typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and difficulties in daily life. Common mental disorders diagnosed in childhood include ADHD, anxiety, and behavioural disorders.”
She indicated that children who were discriminated against due to performance, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or family background could be particularly vulnerable to mental health crises. “Many mental disorders can begin in childhood, including anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Comorbidity is common, with children experiencing depression often also facing anxiety and behavioural problems,” she said.
Oluwasayo expressed that children frequently express concerns about their emotional well-being, such as anger, social withdrawal, bullying, and abuse, saying distinguishing between typical developmental challenges and those that may indicate deeper issues could be difficult.
“It is important to seek help from mental health professionals, such as clinical psychologists, if your child’s behaviour or emotions persist for weeks, cause distress for your child or family, or interfere with functioning at school, home, or with friends.”
She listed additional symptoms of mental health challenges in children, including frequent tantrums, unexplained stomach aches or headaches, restlessness, sleep disturbances, loss of interest in activities, low energy, excessive worry, self-harm behaviours, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.
Oluwasayo urged teachers and school administrators to prioritise early identification of mental health issues, enabling children to receive the help they need.
She encouraged parents to engage in play with their children, as it fosters curiosity, problem-solving skills, and emotional expression. Additionally, she emphasised the importance of parents serving as role models in managing difficult feelings and self-care.