Children's Mental Health E-Book

BOURNVITA X MINDS FOUNDATION
CHILDREN'S
MENTAL HEALTH
E-BOOK FOR PARENTS & CARETAKERS
in
partnership
with
www.mannkitayyari.in
Call us anytime! 24/7 mental health helpline:

We are here to help you 18005-477-200
1
WELCOME
WHAT CAN YOU
EXPECT FROM
2
AN INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH
THIS E-BOOK?
3
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN
INDIA
4
IDENTIFYING A CHILD WITH MENTAL HEALTH
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
ISSUES
5
SOCIALISATION & GETTING ALONG WITH PEERS
6
LACK OF CONCENTRATION & FEAR OF FAILING
7
LETHARGY & LACK OF INTEREST
8
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES
9
EMOTIONAL CHANGES AND MOOD SWINGS
10
DEGREES OF MENTAL HEALTH
11
SECURING BETTER MENTAL HEALTH FOR YOUR CHILDREN
12
MENTAL HYGIENE: TIPS AND TRICKS
13
WHAT TO SAY
14
WHAT NOT TO SAY
15
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
16
GETTING HELP, CONCLUSION, & REFERENCES
AUTHORS
AUTHOR CREDITS:
Pragya Lodha Roshni Dadlani

Clinical Psychologist and MINDS Communications Lead
MINDS Program Director
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Ankita Gupta Anoushka Thakre

MINDS Research Associate MINDS Research Associate
Dr Raghu Appasani Amul Joshi

Psychiatrist, Founder & MINDS Program Director
CEO of MINDS Foundation
in
partnership
with

WELCOME TO YOUR
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH E-BOOK

FOR PARENTS & CARETAKERS
Bournvita has always partnered with parents through their parenting journey which involves their children’s
physical and mental development leading to a fulfilling life. The pandemic and the subsequent lockdown
brought about a new parenting challenge. The physical restrictions of social isolation, schools being shut,
being constantly cooped up at home has impacted children mentally.
Mental health is an individual’s emotional and psychological well being. It is equally important to physical
health. For a child’s potential to truly shine, its important for him/her to be physically and mentally fit.
Physical health and development is visible and therefore easier to nurture, so parents can spot weaknesses
and step in to support the child, whereas mental health isn’t as easy to understand and gauge.
We often misinterpret mental health by measuring it in terms of academics or hobbies, which are not really
indicators of how emotionally healthy a child is. In a culture, where we love emotions in our movies and
politics, we want our children to be seen, not heard; and often encourage them to follow an unachievable
ideal of being the ‘smart, well-mannered, cheerful and compliant child’. And when a child shows signs of
rebellion, anger, sorrow or anything out of the ordinary, we mistakenly deem it to be misbehavior or typical
teen-angst. And even when we do realise that the problem may root deeper, our social conditioning makes it
difficult for both parents and children to open-up and talk about these things.
Child mental health challenges have been growing exponentially since the pandemic. For a brand, as close
to parent-child bond as ours, we want to take the first step towards raising awareness amongst parents
about this. Bournvita wants to partner parents by starting conversations around child mental health which
will get society to open up about this taboo topic. Busting myths around mental health and providing
resources, will encourage parents to:
1. Sit up and take notice of the situation
2. Seek help where required.
It’s a journey, and the brand intends to take small steps in the right direction, by partnering parents and
including a check on child mental health in their parenting to-do’s. We hope you find this e-book useful and
we're here to help.
Sincerely,
The Bournvita Team
We need parents to GET THE MESSAGE and help their children by:
01 02 03
ASKING ACCEPTING ASSISTING

Parents need to speak to The first steps towards It’s essential to take help of
their children sensitively and healing a child struggling the experts to be able to help
ask them what’s the matter. with his/her mental health is the child come out of the
Listening patiently to their to accept their current situation and be positive in
fears and experience will condition. When in denial, life again. Parents need to
lead to children opening-up thinking their always cheerful identify and seek help from
slowly and gradually. child can never struggle with experts at the initial stages
a mental health challenge, of mental health challenges.
the parent is unable to
provide the support the child
seeks thereby worsening the
problem.
in
partnership
with

An Introduction to Mental Health
In order to understand the significance of mental health issues, let's look at the facts:
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

"Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects
how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to
others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from
childhood and adolescence through adulthood." (CDC, 2021)
Mental and physical health are equally important, and a person's mental health
status can change over time.
THE HISTORY OF MENTAL

HEALTH
Mental health issues have historically been misunderstood, and
therefore, stigmatised. In certain cultures, mental health issues
have been seen as shameful, an expression of weakness, or even a
religious/supernatural occurrence or curse. This makes it very
difficult for those who need support to access it. Thankfully, today
people are becoming accepting of mental health issues and more
supportive of people who face them. In addition, media, movies,
and famous figures have been speaking out about mental health
more - making people realise that it is not at all shameful.
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH: HOW IS

IT DIFFERENT?
'Mental disorders among children are described as changes in the way
children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which cause
distress and problems getting through the day. Many children experience
fears and worries or display disruptive behaviors. If symptoms are serious
and persistent and interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child
may be diagnosed with a mental disorder. Mentally healthy children have a
positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, and in their
communities. Symptoms of mental disorders change over time as a child
grows." (CDC, 2021)
HOW TO USE THIS E-BOOK

This e-book contains a basic introduction to children's mental
health and the different concerns involved in it. The information in
this e-book has been carefully curated for parents and caretakers
to better understand and support their children. We've used the
latest research from medical journals and information from our
experienced psychiatrists and psychologists. We suggest having
a cursory read-through to get a feel for the material, focusing on
any sections that may be more applicable to your child. The latter
section focuses on easy tips you can implement immediately. For
any questions, please feel free to call 18005-477-200.
in
partnership
with

Mental Health Issues in India
In order to understand the significance of mental health issues, let's look at the facts:
14%
182
million
As of 2017, more than 14% of That is over 182 million people There is only 1 psychiatrist per
the Indian population have who struggle with their mental 100,000 people in India, so many
their mental health disorders health people remain undiagnosed
From 2013-2020, 1.03

trillion USD was lost in
economic productivity in
India due to mental
health conditions
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds
Over 50% of Indians with a mental

health disorder have never been to
a mental health professional
50%
"The accumulation of experiences a child receives shapes the outcomes and choices
they will make as adults."
- Dr Raghu Appasani, Psychiatrist and Founder & CEO of MINDS Foundation
Most common reasons Indians struggle to access mental healthcare:
Shame and Stigma and Lack of Financial Lack of

fear discrimination transportation means awareness
in
partnership
with

References:
Cuellar, A. (2015). Preventing and Treating Child Mental Health Problems. The Future of Children, 25(1), 111-134. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/43267765
Children’s Mental Health. (2021). Retrieved 4 August 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/basics.html
NIMH » Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?. (2021). Retrieved 4 August 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
Ogundele, M. (2018). Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians. World Journal Of Clinical Pediatrics, 7(1), 9-26. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v7.i1.9
Tolan, P. H., & Dodge, K. A. (2005). Children's mental health as a primary care and concern: a system for comprehensive support and service. The American psychologist, 60(6), 601–614.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Worried about your child's mental health?. (2021). Retrieved 5 August 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577
Identifying a Child with
Mental Health Issues
It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of mental illness in
children.
For many years, children’s mental health has not been recognized, with
many parents thinking their child’s behaviour change is just because of
mood swings, temper tantrums, or hormones.
Today, we know that childhood is when most lifelong mental health

issues surface. Therefore, our children need our support.
Symptoms to look our for:
Difficulty Persistent
concentrating sadness
Refusing to go Changes in
to school weight or eating
habits
Frequent
Talking about
headaches or
death or suicide
stomach aches
Drastic changes in
Feeling anxious,
mood, behaviour,
isolated,
or personality
hopeless
Self-harm or Heightened
injury irritability
Difficulty Tiredness and

sleeping fatigue
Problems making
Feelings of guilt
decisions
*Please note: Some of these symptoms can be caused by other situational factors and are not a definite
indicator that your child is struggling with their mental health.
in
partnership
with

References:
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Common Mental
Health Symptoms
Socialisation & getting along with peers
Childhood is a very important time to develop interpersonal skills and learn the acceptable behaviours
and values of their community: their family and friends.
When children act in a way that is not typical or appropriate for the situations that they are in, it can be
a sign that their mental health is suffering.
Here are a few signs that your child is struggling with socialisation:
1 Not wanting to go to social 2 Fighting at school

events
3 Poor confidence 4 Having trouble getting along

with peers
5 Extreme nervousness before 6 Physical symptoms

school/skipping school (stomach ache, headache)
"Though it is true that children experience mood and behaviour changes that are completely normal, if you
notice symptoms persisting for more than a few weeks, you should talk to your child and ask how they are
doing."

- Pragya Lodha
Psychologist and Mumbai Program Director at MINDS Foundation
in
partnership
with

References:
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Common Mental
Health Symptoms
Lack of concentration & fear of failing
Children face a large amount of pressure to succeed in school.
For some children, interpersonal conflict such as issues with peers or family members can affect
their school experience.
For others, underlying disorders such as ADHD or anxiety can make attending school a difficult
experience if not addressed appropriately.
1 Decline in school 2 Poor grades even with hard

performance work
3 Refusal to go to school or do 4 Skipping school or class

homework without your knowledge
5 Extreme nervousness before 6 Losing interest in

school extracurricular activities
"Let your child know that you are there for them, no matter what. You can also reach out to a professional
or trusted community member. "

- Amul Joshi
Gujarat Program Director, MINDS Foundation

in
partnership
with

References:
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Common Mental
Health Symptoms
Lethargy & lack of interest
Childhood is a very important time to in establishing the baseline for an individual's mental health.
While we often think of mental health issues presenting as exaggerated emotions (deep sadness,
etc), it is equally common for mental health issues to present as lack of emotion, low energy levels
and reduced interest in everyday life.
Here are a few signs that your child may be struggling with their mental health:
1 Feeling tired all the time 2 Not interested in prior

hobbies
3 Lack of emotion, feeling 4 Difficulty completing

indifferent everyday tasks
5 Trouble meeting 6 Decreased social

goals/deadlines involvement
"If you're looking for help from a professional, a good place to start is with your family doctor. They will be
able to refer you to a child psychologist or other mental health professional."

- Dr Raghu Appasani
Psychiatrist and Founder/CEO of MINDS Foundation

in
partnership
with

References:
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Common Mental
Health Symptoms
Behavioural changes
All children can be challenging, naughty, or disobedient from time to time.
But sometimes children develop behaviours that can be very disruptive or dangerous, which needs to
be addressed.
There are a few behaviour disorders that can occur in young children, including attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder.
1 Emotionally reactive 2 Rule-breaking behaviour
3 Arguing or fighting with 4 Use of drugs or alcohol

peers and adults frequently
5 Lack of focus 6 Hyperactivity
"There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for professional help and support. Asking for help when you
need it is incredibly brave."

- Dr Raghu Appasani
Psychiatrist and Founder/CEO of MINDS Foundation

in
partnership
with

References:
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Common Mental
Health Symptoms
Emotional changes & mood swings
Mood disorders are a group of mental health disorders that are very common.
A mood disorder is a mental health disorder that mostly affects a person’s emotional state. This
means that the person suffering can often be sad, anxious, angry, etc.
Examples of mood disorders include major depressive disorder (depression), bipolar disorder, etc.
1 Drastic changes in mood, 2 Changes in eating or

personality, and behaviour sleeping patterns
3 Feeling isolated, sad, 4 Fatigue, having no energy to

hopeless, worthless or guilty care
5 Anxiety or irritability 6 Thoughts or talking about

dying or self-harm
"Given the stigma around mental health, children’s mental health is oft-missed and ignored. On the one
hand, India has the highest youth population and on the other, it also sees the burden of mental health to
be highest amongst this age bracket."

- Pragya Lodha
Psychologist and Mumbai Program Director at MINDS Foundation
in
partnership
with

References:
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Degrees of
Mental Health
Common mental health issues in children
and how to deal with them
Our mental health is the way we think, feel our emotions, and therefore, behave. When a person has
a mental illness, it can cause distress and make it difficult for that person to function normally.
That being said, Mental health struggles in children are very treatable! No matter what your child is
going through, or how difficult it is, there are many ways to help them improve and feel better.

COMMON CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

DISORDERS Developmental disorders are also
Amongst children, there are several common. Autism spectrum disorder is a
disorders that are very common. The an example of a developmental disorder
first is anxiety disorder, which presents that can cause social and behavioral
as excessive fear or worry. Depression is challenges. It is usually diagnosed during
also common. Though changes in mood childhood. ADHD or attention deficit
are normal, if your child is persistently hyperactivity disorder is also usually
sad for at least 2 weeks or more, they diagnosed during childhood. Children with
may be depressed. Eating disorders can ADHD may struggle to concentrate, act
also occur: this is a preoccupation with very impulsively, or seem restless or
an ideal body type where the child will overly energetic.
generally diet unhealthily to achieve the
look that they desire.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR If any of this sounds familiar to you,
CHILD IS STRUGGLING don’t worry. All of these conditions are
treatable and manageable and we are
It’s important to keep an eye out for key here to help. Some will require some
symptoms of mental illness so that you patience and lifestyle changes, like
can help your child before their health encouraging your child to exercise more,
worsens. Some key signs are sadness, eat healthier, journal their feelings, etc.
feelings of anxiety, guilt, or Others may require some more help
worthlessness, changes in behavior, from a therapist, psychologist, or
changes in eating or sleeping habits, psychiatrist. These professionals can
avoiding school or other activities they provide talk therapy or medication,
previously enjoyed, struggling to based on what your child needs.
concentrate and frequent headaches
and stomachaches.
IF IT'S CRITICAL
If your child is hurting themselves or others, thinking or talking about suicide, or
experiencing a very sudden change in behavior or personality, this could suggest that
their condition is more serious. In this case, please reach out to someone - your family
doctor, a trusted community leader, or any mental health professional you have access
to and explain your concerns to them.
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Securing Better
Mental Health for
Your Children
The role of a parent in their child's mental health
Now that we've learned how common mental health issues are in India, how to recognise mental
health issues based on key symptoms, and explored the different disorders that are common in
children, let's understand the role of a parent in their child's mental health, and how you as a parent
can help your child maintain mental wellbeing.
There are several factors that impact a child's mental health status,
both positively and negatively. Providing children with an environment
conducive of love, compassion, trust, and understanding coming from
people they depend and trust on, greatly impacts a child. It allows
them to build on these stepping stones to have a productive lifestyle.
However, many children do not receive that type of lifestyle though due
to various reasons and circumstances. Some children have to deal with a
childhood that is filled with angst, resentment, hatred, distrust, and
constant negativity. They have a difficult time coping with their emotions.
It is a difficult process for any person, let alone a child, to overcome such
adversity but being proactive and doing the best in one’s capacity can
help the child to go towards better mental health.
Some children may also be born with mental health issues. This happens
as a result of the genetic factors that the child receives from the parents
and the environment in which the child is brought up. For example: if out of
the two parents, one parent has a mental illness, the genetic material of
that parent is also passed on to the child. If the child is born in an unstable
environment, the chances of the child developing mental illness are higher.
However, if the child is taken care of and provided extra care and support,
then the chance of the child developing the mental health problem
lessens. It is important to remember that there can be several other
reasons along with the parenting style and upbringing of the child that
can contribute to the development of an illness in a child (socio-economic
condition, peer influence, family structure, schooling, personality of the
child).
Research has demonstrated that children with mental illnesses, if left

untreated, are likely to grow up with poor patterns of behaviour and
emotional management and are also likely to repeat these same
behaviours with their children. As a result, these children develop lower
self-worth, negative feelings, perform poorly in school, and later become
involved in unhealthy lifestyle decisions.
It is the parental support, school support and counselling that can help children resolve
these issues and become more fulfilling and productive individuals - so let’s learn more
about how to secure better mental health for your children!
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Mental Hygiene:
Tips and Tricks
What to teach your children to encourage
their mental wellbeing
Children learn by example, especially from their parents and caretakers. The best way to help them
practice self-care and healthy habits is to model them yourself. Here are some behaviours that
improve mental hygiene and overall wellbeing that are great to teach to your children early in their
lives.
Habits to Teach Your Child:

Cultivate supportive relationships
Turn to friends and family members who make you feel loved and cared
for and share what you’re going through. Ask for the help and support
you need. Try to keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it.
Often when you’re struggling, it feels more comfortable to retreat into
your shell, but being around other people will make you feel better.
Get moving
The key to sustaining mood benefits is to exercise regularly. Choose
activities that are moderately intense. Add a mind-body element.
Activities such as yoga and tai chi rest your mind and increase your
energy. Start slowly, and don't overdo it.
Challenge negative-thinking
Ask yourself if you’d say what you’re thinking about yourself to someone
else. If not, stop being so hard on yourself. Allow yourself to be less than
perfect. Socialize with positive people and notice how people who
always look on the bright side deal with challenges, Keep a "negative
thought log", whenever you experience a negative thought, jot down the
thought in a notebook and review it later.
Eat a healthy, mood-boosting diet

Don't skip meals, minimize refined sugar and carbs, try superfoods rich
in mood-boosting nutrients, focus on complex carbs, and consider taking
chromium and B vitamin supplements.
9 Quick Tips for Parents:

Spend quality time with your child in whatever way they most enjoy
Educate them: send them to a school that cares about their students wellbeing
Have open and honest conversations with them about sensitive topics
But also give them their space as and when they need it
Encourage good behaviour and compliment their best qualities
Show them how to take care of their physical health by eating and sleeping well, as well as
exercising
Encourage them to social play with other children to develop skills, identity and confidence
Set boundaries and limitations to give them a dependable structure
Allow them to make some level of decisions about their own life
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional for more help
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How to talk to kids about
mental health
What to say & examples
If you notice that your child’s behaviour has changed recently, and they seem to be struggling, there
are many ways you can support them. The best way to start is by opening a dialogue with them and
making them feel comfortable discussing difficult and personal issues with you. Here’s some ways
you can do that!

Be there for them. Let them know you’re there to listen to anything they might want to talk about.
Assure them that you support them and will not get angry, no matter what they express to you.
Validate their feelings. Tell them that it’s normal to feel sad, angry, scared, and stressed sometimes,
and that you feel that way too sometimes. Empathize with them by saying things like “that sounds
really difficult”, etc.
Express your intention. Try telling your child that you have noticed them feeling sad or acting
differently, and let them know that you want to help them.
Start the conversation early. Give your child opportunities to open up to you by creating space for
healthy discussions from a young age. This will make communication easier as your child grows up.
Start by asking open-ended questions, like ‘did you talk to your friends today?’
Model conversations about mental health. To get your child to see that it is okay to talk about their
feelings, talk about your own! Do not burden them or share age-appropriate information with them, but
sharing that you - for example - do yoga because it keeps you mentally fit is a positive way to start the
conversation.
Seek help. If you are still struggling to connect with your child, reach out to a mental health
professional who will be able to tell you how to support your child. Sometimes, your child will feel
more comfortable speaking to someone else, and that is okay too. Your family doctor will be able to
refer you to a mental health professional.
What to say:
I know what you're going
I've noticed you've seemed to be
through is really difficult, and
struggling recently. Do you want to
you're so strong.
talk about it?
Don't worry, it's

I'm here to listen normal to feel I love you no
to you anytime sad/angry/scared matter what!
you need, no sometimes. How
matter what. can I help?
Sometimes it's easier to

When I am upset, I like to practise talk to someone outside
yoga/write in my journal/talk to a friend of the family. Would you
because it helps me feel better. be comfortable talking
to [insert name]?
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How to talk to kids about
mental health
What NOT to say & examples
If you notice that your child’s behaviour has changed recently, and they seem to be struggling, there
are many ways you can support them. The best way to start is by opening a dialogue with them and
making them feel comfortable discussing difficult and personal issues with you. Here’s some
things to avoid when talking to them!

Don’t take it personally. If your child does not feel comfortable telling you how they feel yet, don’t be
offended. It can be difficult for children to share - they may be scared of a negative reaction or unsure
how to talk about difficult subject matters.
Don’t pressure them into talking. If you create a comfortable and safe environment for them, they will
open up to you in time. Pressuring them will not help.
Don’t judge them or punish them. When your child trusts you enough to talk about their mental health
with you, the worst thing you can do is judge them or punish them for sharing their feelings. This will
discourage them from opening up to you again, closing the line of communication, and making it
difficult for them to get help and feel better.
Don’t doubt their experience. A common reaction for parents is to tell their children that their issues
are ‘not a big deal’, and that childhood and adolescence is the easiest stage of life. This invalidates
their struggle.
Don’t ignore small issues. It is easy to feel that small issues will pass with time, but sometimes they
are an indicator of underlying issues. Look out for recurring issues.
Don’t try to ‘fix’ it yourself. If a child is struggling with school or peers, oftentimes parents will try to
solve the issue themselves by inserting themselves in the situation. This is usually counterproductive
as children are much more likely to address the issue when they have been allowed to think of the
solution themselves.
What NOT to say:

You're lying, I don't
Just wait until you're an adult -
think that's what really
that's when the real problems
happened.
start.
I'm your parent, you

Just relax! have to tell me what If you keep acting
You're crazy.
like this, I will
the problem is right
now. punish you.
If someone is
bothering you, just
You're just a kid, these issues aren't
tell me. I'll handle to
a big deal. Your childhood is the
them for you.
best time of your life! Just enjoy it.
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Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy
4 things you should know about this therapeutic
method!
Mental health struggles in children are very treatable! No matter what your child is going through,
or how difficult it is, there are many ways to help them improve and feel better. One of the most
important, popular, and effective ways to treat mental health struggles in children is called CBT.
Here are 4 things you should know about CBT!
CBT stands for cognitive behavioural therapy.

It is also known simply as ‘talk therapy’, and is a way to treat different
mental health issues. It involves talking to a licensed mental health
professional, usually a therapist, counsellor, or psychologist. It has been
proven to be very helpful in treating depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug
use, marital problems, and more. There is a lot of evidence to prove that
CBT is very helpful in treating mental health conditions.
CBT teaches you to develop healthy thinking patterns.

CBT essentially works by changing your child’s unhelpful thinking patterns
which eventually lead to mental health issues. Through talking with the
therapist, your child will understand the unhelpful thinking patterns they
have learned, and how this contributes negatively to their mental health.
The therapist will then help them replace this with healthier thought
patterns and teach them coping skills, which are ways to deal well during
times of stress. Thoughts precede behaviour, so when your child changes
their thinking patterns, they will also be changing their behaviour. This
means that they can face your problems confidently, and deal with difficult
situations with more ease.
A CBT session involves the patient and therapist working together to

understand the problem and find a good solution for the issue(s).
The therapist will ask your child about the current situation, the issues they
are facing, and what they would like to change or improve. They may also
ask about your child’s history, and any relevant past experiences. The
patient can share whatever information they feel comfortable with sharing -
they will not push. Then, they will help your child reflect on these issues,
teach them to recognize thought distortions, and cope with difficult
situations so that they can achieve their goals and feel better.

Having therapy sessions doesn’t mean your child is broken, mad

or crazy.
It doesn’t mean they are less intelligent or capable than other kids. It’s
actually a very good thing which allows them to face their issues and grow
stronger. If your child is struggling, help and treatment is available. Let’s
support our kids. We are here for you: call our mental health helpline at
18005-477-200 anytime and talk to a trained mental health professional for
free. You can also visit mannkitayyari.in for more info!

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Conclusion
Getting help, our experiences, and references
We hope the information in this e-book has been helpful to you. We want to take a minute to assure
you that mental health issues in children are very treatable. No matter what your child is going
through, there is hope and help available.

The MINDS Foundation has over a decade of experience in mental health and calls on the
experience of our psychiatrists and psychologists to run mental health education programs for
children across the country, as well as treat children with ongoing mental health issues while
offering support for their families.

We believe education is key: if parents know what to look out for and are dedicated to supporting
their children, then there is nothing to worry about. Through reading this e-book, you've taken an
important step in protecting your child's mental health. Well done!

There is a whole community of people - friends, family, medical professionals, non-profits, and
more - who are ready to help you. Call our mental health helpline at 18005-477-200 to speak to a
mental health professional for free, 24/7.Visit our website www.mannkitayyari.in for more
information including infographics, e-books, videos, and expert articles. We're here for you.

- The Bournvita and MINDS Foundation teams
"The parent-child
connection is the most
powerful mental health
intervention known to
mankind."

- Bessel van der Kolk
References:
In addition to our experts, we used the following references to compile this e-book. They can also be
helpful for you as additional resources.
Cuellar, A. (2015). Preventing and Treating Child Mental Health Problems. The Future of Children, 25(1), 111-134. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/43267765
NIMH » Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?. (2021). Retrieved 4 August 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-
and-mental-health
Ogundele, M. (2018). Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians. World Journal Of Clinical Pediatrics, 7(1), 9-26.
doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v7.i1.9
Tolan, P. H., & Dodge, K. A. (2005). Children's mental health as a primary care and concern: a system for comprehensive support and service. The American
psychologist, 60(6), 601–614. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Worried about your child's mental health?. (2021). Retrieved 5 August 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-
depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577
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