According to Beyond Blue website, “it is estimated that around one in seven Australian kids experience mental health issues and about half of all serious mental health issues in adulthood begin before the age of 14.” 1 The burden of undetected, untreated, or poorly treated mental health/behavioural conditions in children has a big impact not only in the family circle but the society in general.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has published a report regarding mental health and behavioural disorders in children in 3 April 2020 and they have found 3 key points2:
- In 2013–14, an estimated 314,000 children aged 4–11 (almost 14%) experienced a mental disorder. Boys were more commonly affected than girls (17% compared with 11%).
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was the most common disorder for children (8.2%). It was also the most common disorder among boys (11%).
- Anxiety disorders were the second most common disorders among all children (6.9%), and the most common among girls (6.1%).
Although there are complex causes that can lead to a certain childhood condition, there are also known triggers that when addressed, may not treat the child’s condition 100% but can improve outcome. Some of these things include food like dairy, artificial colouring, food allergens, preservatives, sugar or quantity and/or quality of sleep. Gut health and nutritional deficiencies are also some of the other factors that affects these conditions. The process of determining the possible cause/sand treating it is not an easy feat. It will take time and sometimes could be frustrating. However, as parents, we have to start somewhere. Our team at QIM are more than happy to help you through this journey.
References:
https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children, Retrieved on 25 May 2021.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/health/children-mental-illness, Retrieved on 25 May 2021.