Mental Health Literacy

Mental health literacy means having a clear and accurate understanding of mental health, knowing how to protect and improve mental well-being, recognising mental health concerns at an early stage, and seeking appropriate help when needed.

What Does Mental Health Literacy Include?

• Understanding how to develop and maintain good mental health.
• Reducing negative attitudes, misconceptions, and stigma associated with mental health conditions.
• Understanding different mental health disorders, their symptoms, and the available treatment options.
• Knowing how to approach the right professional when you or your child needs mental health support.

Mental Health Problems and Mental Disorders – They Are Not the Same

Severe stress or unexpected events in life can affect a person's usual ability to cope. This may be described as a mental health problem.

For example, following family difficulties, exam stress, relationship problems, work-related pressure, or a sudden loss, a person may experience low mood, anxiety, or sleep difficulties for some time.

In such situations, counselling, psychological support, or consultation with a psychiatrist, when appropriate, may be helpful.

In contrast, when symptoms persist and significantly affect a person's thinking, emotions, behaviour, relationships, or daily functioning, a qualified mental health professional may need to assess whether a mental disorder is present and recommend appropriate treatment.

Examples include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Factors That Affect Mental Health

Mental health is not determined by an individual's efforts alone.

Several factors can influence our mental well-being, including our biological and physical characteristics, relationships, life experiences, social experiences such as discrimination, the environments in which we live, social support and protection, economic circumstances, and wider social systems.

Therefore, mental health problems should not be oversimplified with statements such as “Just think positively” or “You only need to be mentally strong.”

How Can You Talk to Your Child About Mental Health?

You do not need to be a mental health professional to talk to your child about mental health. An ordinary conversation can be a good starting point.

You do not need to have answers to every question. What matters most is being willing to listen carefully, try to understand your child, remain open-minded, and respond with care and compassion.

How to Get Started

1. Talk About Mental Health Regularly: Do not wait until a problem arises. Have natural, occasional conversations about mental health and well-being as part of everyday life.
2. Stay Calm and Patient: If your child is not ready to talk immediately, do not force them. Give them time and space to feel comfortable.
3. Use Simple, Natural Language: Instead of immediately labelling your child, try asking: “You seem a little worried lately. Is something bothering you?”
4. Choose the Right Time and Place: Your child may find it easier to talk in a quiet place, while going for a walk, or while doing something together.
5. Listen With Interest and Empathy: Instead of asking, “Why are you behaving like this?”, try saying: “I want to understand what is happening and how you are feeling.”
6. Listen First; Do Not Rush to Offer Solutions: Allow your child to speak without interruption. Try to understand what may have happened or what might be contributing to the changes you have noticed before suggesting solutions.
7. Involve Your Child in Finding Solutions: Ask, “What do you think we can do about this?” or “What kind of help do you think you need right now?” This helps your child feel heard and involved in decisions about their well-being.

How Can You Recognise Changes in Your Child's Mental Health?

Because you know your child well, you may be among the first people to notice significant changes in their usual behaviour.

However, do not assume that your child has a mental health disorder simply because you notice a change. Instead, observe with curiosity and ask yourself: “What has changed? What might be causing it?”

Some Changes to Look Out For

• Significant changes in sleeping patterns.
• Changes in eating habits.
• Persistent sadness or emotional distress.
• Frequent or significant mood changes.
• Excessive worry or fear.
• Refusing to go to school.
• Sudden difficulties with schoolwork or everyday activities.
• Reluctance to leave the house.
• Losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
• Difficulties in relationships with friends or family members.
• Significant changes in usual behaviour.
• Avoiding social interactions or withdrawing from others.

When Should You Seek Additional Help?

If changes in your child's behaviour persist, become more severe, or begin to affect school, family life, friendships, or everyday activities, seeking professional support is advisable.

You do not need to wait until the problem becomes severe before seeking help.

Depending on your child's needs, you may approach an appropriate professional, such as:

• Teacher / School Counsellor
• Psychologist / Counsellor
• Psychiatrist

The right professional will depend on the nature and severity of the concern. In some situations, seeking appropriate support early can help prevent difficulties from becoming more serious.