Why children’s mental health should no longer be ignored

DAR ES SALAAM: ACROSS many communities, children’s mental health challenges remain largely misunderstood, overlooked or mistaken for simple behavioural problems.

A child who becomes withdrawn, aggressive, fearful or unusually quiet is often labelled as stubborn, rude or undisciplined.

Yet mental health experts warn that such behaviours may be early signs of deeper psychological distress that, if ignored, can affect a child’s entire life. Mental health problems among children do not arise from a single cause.

Instead, they are the result of a combination of biological, social, environmental and emotional factors.

Understanding these causes is crucial in enabling parents and guardians to take timely and appropriate action to protect the well-being of their children.

One of the leading causes of mental health problems in children is an unsafe or harmful home environment.

Children who grow up in homes marked by neglect, frequent conflict, domestic violence or emotional instability are exposed to constant stress.

Such environments deprive children of the sense of safety and security they need to develop emotionally, increasing their risk of anxiety, depression and behavioural disorders.

Closely linked to this is poor parenting, which includes a lack of emotional support, harsh discipline, constant criticism, or the absence of parental care. Children who are rarely listened to or comforted may struggle to express their emotions, leading to internalised stress and low self-esteem.

Over time, this can weaken their mental resilience and their ability to cope with challenges.

Violence and abuse, particularly sexual violence, remain among the most damaging causes of mental health problems in children.

Physical, emotional and sexual abuse, especially when perpetrated by family members or trusted individuals, can leave deep psychological scars. Many affected children suffer from trauma, fear, anxiety and depression, while others develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In many cases, such abuse goes unreported, allowing the psychological harm to persist into adulthood. Medical and biological factors also play a significant role.

Mental health challenges can begin at birth or early childhood, especially when the child’s mother experiences complications during delivery.

Conditions such as lack of oxygen at birth, premature birth, low birth weight and neonatal infections can interfere with normal brain development.

Similarly, severe or recurrent illnesses during early child hood, including high fevers and infections, may affect the brain if not properly treated, increasing the risk of mental and developmental disorders.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), eight per cent of children and 15 per cent of adolescents experience a mental disorder, but the majority of them do not seek help or receive care. Also, WHO reported that suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

The consequences of failing to address children’s and adolescents’ mental health and psychosocial development extend into adulthood and limit opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.

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A mental health specialist from Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dr Saidi Kuganda, emphasised that children, just like adults and the elderly, are vulnerable to mental health challenges that, if left unaddressed, can affect their overall development and future wellbeing.

Dr Kuganda explained that mental health challenges in children can begin at birth or develop later in life, particularly when a child experiences complications during delivery or shortly after birth.

He said conditions such as prolonged labour, lack of oxygen at birth, low birth weight and neonatal infections may interfere with normal brain development, increasing the risk of mental and behavioural disorders.

Dr Kuganda added that recurrent or severe illnesses during early childhood, including high fevers and infections, can also negatively affect a child’s brain and mental well-being if not properly treated.

“The developing brain is highly sensitive and any serious illness that affects it may have long-term consequences,” said Dr Kuganda.

Beyond medical factors, Dr Kuganda said that parenting practices and a child’s daily environment play a critical role in shaping mental health.

He said, children raised in unsafe, unstable or neglectful environments are more likely to experience stress, anxiety and emotional distress.

Such experiences often leave deep psychological scars that can persist into adulthood if not addressed early.

“Essentially, mental health challenges exist across all age groups, children, adults and the elderly. Society should therefore not be surprised to see children facing such challenges,” said Dr Kuganda, adding that many cases arise from poor parenting, sexual violence, recurrent severe fevers or complications occurring at birth.

Many parents misinterpret warning signs, assuming unusual behaviour is simply indiscipline or a passing stage.

As a result, children with genuine mental health conditions may go untreated for long periods, worsening their situation.

Parents and guardians are advised to seek professional help as soon as they notice behavioural changes or unusual actions in their children.

Persistent sadness, excessive aggression or stubbornness, high levels of anxiety, loss of interest in studies, frequent fearfulness and social withdrawal are among the key warning signs that should not be ignored.

The importance of open communication within families as children who feel safe expressing their emotions are more likely to seek help when facing difficulties.

Schools and teachers are often among the first to notice changes in a child’s behaviour, academic performance or social interactions.

Strengthening collaboration between parents, teachers and health professionals can significantly improve early detection and intervention.

It is a must to increase public awareness to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among children.

Misconceptions continue to prevent many families from seeking help, allowing conditions to worsen unnecessarily.

Healthcare facilities are equipped to assess and manage mental health conditions in children, but early presentation remains crucial.

Treatment options may include counselling, behavioural therapy, family support or medical care, depending on the condition.

As awareness of children’s mental health grows, protecting mental well-being is a shared responsibility.

Parents, guardians, schools, health professionals and the wider community must work together to create safe and supportive environments. Children are the foundation of our future.

Protecting their mental health is not optional; it is essential and parents should not wait until challenges become severe before seeking help, as early action can make a lifelong difference.