Mental illness in children and adolescents

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Particularly after the intensive pandemic period, many parents are now dealing with children and adolescents with behavioural problems.

“In the counselling centres we are increasingly hearing that children have lost their connection to learning. During the pandemic, many of them noticed how cosy it can be at home and did very little. It’s difficult for many parents to get their kids back out of that cycle,” reports Barbara Campman. She tells us that some children are even refusing to go to school. In this case, the expert recommends a rigorous approach: “Give the children tasks they have to do during the day, and it’s important to restrict their access to electronic media drastically – that makes the whole situation much less comfortable for them.”

With other behavioural problems such as bed wetting or the urge to exercise to an excessive extent, the social worker says the first step is to take a look, seek advice and not immediately come to the conclusion that it’s a mental illness.

Anyone in this situation should ask themselves the following questions: can the child do things that are appropriate for their age? Can they do tasks? Do they do their homework? It is OK and totally normal, though, if that doesn’t always work. “Of course you have to invest time, talk to the child and observe them. Lots of parents give up on their responsibility too quickly,” Campman says. “Lots of things can be improved and clarified with the educational options that are out there.”

If the school or kindergarten gets in touch, though, you need to seek help. “Try talking to a counselling centre first. A psychological diagnosis and potentially treatment with medication is always a last resort.” Often things like doing activities together in the fresh air, meeting friends more again and eating a healthy diet of freshly cooked, high-nutrient meals can lead to significant changes.

If you would like to talk to a professional about mental illness or behavioural problems, the Austrian family counselling centres are there for you with free appointments.