Why Is Mental Health Important For Children?

It is clear now, more than ever, how important mental health is in our day-to-day lives. This Children’s Mental Health Week, we thought we’d answer some of the big questions about how mental wellbeing affects the young people in our lives. The NSPCC says that over half of calls to Childline are related to mental or emotional health issues. So, let's look at why mental health is important and what we can do to support children.

Why is mental health important for children?

A child’s mental health is just as important for their development as physical health. If children feel good, they’re more ready to learn, build relationships, and become healthy adults. It can also help build resilience, enabling them to handle whatever life throws at them.

What can affect a child’s mental health?

There are so many things that can affect a child’s mental health. Children go through many changes throughout their lives, and the stress of these changes can act as triggers for a shift in their mood. As well as this, traumatic events, a bad home life, and even the stresses of everyday life can have an effect on their mental health. As a child goes through puberty, hormones and other bodily changes can also have an effect.

How can I support a child dealing with mental health issues?

It’s important to have conversations with the young people in your life about mental health and make them feel comfortable and confident to talk to others about how they are feeling.

As well as this, you can…

• Make sure they have plenty of time to play, both inside and outside

• Feed them a healthy, balanced diet and make sure they are regularly exercising

• Check in with how they’re doing at school and that the school is taking care of their mental well-being

• Ensure they have good friends who make them happy

How can animal therapy support mental health?

Animal-assisted therapy is recognised as an occupational therapy within psychology, as animals are believed to bring people together. Having an animal to interact with can help children who may be struggling with schoolwork or home life, including those on the autism spectrum. It can also inspire a desire to learn and foster a sense of purpose.

Learn more about how animal-assisted therapy can help people of all ages on our website and get in touch to book your session today!