Children are our future. How they behave, develop, express themselves, and experience the world around them is often directly impacted by important figures in their lives.
It’s impacted by how and if we are able to respond to their unique needs appropriately.
We have an ongoing, uphill battle when it comes to mental health. Children’s mental health has unique struggles with alarming statistics that are continuing to develop and increase. For example:
20% of children aged 12-17 have a diagnosable mental health condition [1]
1/6 have a neurodevelopmental condition such as those on the autism spectrum [1]
70% of mental health problems begin during this critical period of adolescence which eventually leads to a cost of $51 billion yearly for Canadian Mental Health Care
It’s impacted by how and if we are able to respond to their unique needs appropriately.
We have an ongoing, uphill battle when it comes to mental health. Children’s mental health has unique struggles with alarming statistics that are continuing to develop and increase. For example:
20% of children aged 12-17 have a diagnosable mental health condition [1]
1/6 have a neurodevelopmental condition such as those on the autism spectrum [1]
70% of mental health problems begin during this critical period of adolescence which eventually leads to a cost of $51 billion yearly for Canadian Mental Health Care
Treatment Options:
Nutrition: Let’s face it, kids and teens can be picky eaters! Not only can their diets be void of important nutrients, they can also be addictive and inflammatory. Food sensitive are very common in kids, and particularly relevant when it comes to mental health.
Supplements: While diet is king, sometimes the use of supplements may be necessary. Working with a health care provider will ensure safe and appropriate doses of supplements, but also help choose the right ones for your child.
Herbal Medicine: Individualized herbal medicines can be used for children and teens for a variety of reasons. They can be applied to treat certain symptoms directly, but due to their synergistic and multi-action nature they tend to have more than one positive effect [eg: help improve sleep and digestion, while reducing anxiety; improve mood and reduce inflammation]
Lifestyle: It’s important not to underestimate the power of a healthful lifestyle. Having a regular, predictable schedule and routine is very important for healthy development. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommends the following:
Sleep: for those aged 5-14 an uninterrupted 9-11 hours is recommended, and 8-10 hours for those 14-17 years old.
Exercise: 60 minutes total of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, including aerobic activities.
Screen time: no more than two hours a day, and limiting extended time seated is important.
Nutrition: Let’s face it, kids and teens can be picky eaters! Not only can their diets be void of important nutrients, they can also be addictive and inflammatory. Food sensitive are very common in kids, and particularly relevant when it comes to mental health.
Supplements: While diet is king, sometimes the use of supplements may be necessary. Working with a health care provider will ensure safe and appropriate doses of supplements, but also help choose the right ones for your child.
Herbal Medicine: Individualized herbal medicines can be used for children and teens for a variety of reasons. They can be applied to treat certain symptoms directly, but due to their synergistic and multi-action nature they tend to have more than one positive effect [eg: help improve sleep and digestion, while reducing anxiety; improve mood and reduce inflammation]
Lifestyle: It’s important not to underestimate the power of a healthful lifestyle. Having a regular, predictable schedule and routine is very important for healthy development. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommends the following:
Sleep: for those aged 5-14 an uninterrupted 9-11 hours is recommended, and 8-10 hours for those 14-17 years old.
Exercise: 60 minutes total of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, including aerobic activities.
Screen time: no more than two hours a day, and limiting extended time seated is important.
At the end of the day it’s important to remember that a holistic approach provides benefits for the whole child. It optimizes resiliency, promotes healthy development, and takes into account the multiple facets that contribute to mental health and well being.
“All children have within them the potential to become great kids. It’s our job to create a great world where this potential can flourish” – Stanley Greenspan, MD