As we know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we're reminded to check in with ourselves and our loved ones. But sometimes, in the hustle of adulthood, we might overlook the younger generation—our kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and friends' children. That's where Children's Mental Health Awareness Week comes in. Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that takes place during the first full week of May, offering us the perfect opportunity to focus on the well-being of our young ones.
Beyond the usual physical check-ups, it’s important to keep an eye on their mental and emotional well-being. Mental health is a big part of overall health, and sometimes, the clues are right under (or above) our noses, dental and vision health. Let's explore how you can find the hidden signs that can clue you in on your kid’s mental health while also taking care of their smile and sight!
The Mind-Body Connection
Our mental health is all about how we feel, think, and act. When kids are having a tough time with their feelings, it can show up in different ways. Some might have tummy aches, others might feel super tired, and some might even have problems with their teeth and eyes. It's like our bodies are telling us something is up!
Teeth Talk: What to Watch For
- Teeth Clenching & Grinding (Bruxism): Stress and anxiety can lead to teeth grinding, especially at night. If you notice your child has a sore jaw, headaches, or flattened teeth, it might be a sign they’re dealing with some stress.
- Canker Sores: These little mouth ulcers can pop up when kids are feeling stressed or run down. While they’re usually harmless, frequent outbreaks could indicate underlying anxiety or emotional distress.
- Neglecting Oral Hygiene: When kids are struggling with their mental health, things like brushing and flossing can fall by the wayside. Keep an eye out for a sudden lack of interest in oral hygiene, which can lead to cavities and gum issues.
- Lip & Cheek Biting: While this might not be directly teeth related, your lips and cheeks are a part of your oral health. If you find your child frequently biting their lips or cheeks, don’t write it off simply as a bad habit. Chronic lip and cheek biting is not only bad for your oral health but may signal mental health concerns such as anxiety or body-focused repetitive behavior disorder (BFRD). These actions often serve as coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, boredom, and may even be indicative of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Understanding this connection can help in finding supportive strategies to manage these effects.
Eyes on the Issue: Vision Changes
- Blurry Vision: High levels of stress can impair vision, making it challenging for our eyes to focus. If your child is suddenly facing vision issues unrelated to the need for eyeglasses or an update to their prescription, it might be a sign of mental health stressors.
- Eye Strain and Headaches: Kids under stress might experience more eye strain, leading to headaches. This can happen because they’re focusing too much or clenching their facial muscles due to anxiety.
- Changes in Visual Habits: Some kids might start to avoid reading or decrease their screen time, while others might become overly reliant on it as a way to cope. Big changes in these habits can be a sign of emotional struggles.
- Dry Eye: Stress can mess with tear production, leading to dry, irritated eyes. If your child complains about their eyes feeling gritty or uncomfortable, it could be more than just allergies.
What Can Parents Do?
- Talk It Out: Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything, no matter how big or small. It is important to foster an open and trusting environment where they feel safe and supported in sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with you. By encouraging this open line of communication, you can help them navigate their emotions and challenges, leading to better mental health and therefore overall health.
- Healthy Habits: Encourage healthy habits like brushing teeth, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep. I know this may sound obvious, but not only do these practices promote physical well-being, but participating in these routines together can also provide emotional benefits for your children. When you join your kids in these daily rituals, you create a stable, predictable environment that may give them a sense of security. This consistency can be incredibly soothing, especially during stressful times. The simple act of brushing teeth together or cooking a meal can serve as a comforting routine that also gives them the chance to master important life skills under your guidance, which in turn, promotes self-confidence. When children feel confident and secure, they are more likely to express their worries or fears. You're not only fostering good physical health but also encouraging mental resilience and facilitating open communication through these shared, daily activities. So, take the time to engage in these healthy habits with your kids. A healthier, happier, and more confident child is more equipped to navigate the challenges that come their way.
- Limit Screen Time: Too much screen time can actually heighten stress levels and adversely affect a child's vision health by contributing to digital eye strain and disrupting natural sleep patterns. Encourage them to play outside or do other fun activities. Before bed, try implementing a screen-free winddown activity you can do together. For instance, reading and enjoying a warm beverage like tea or milk, stretching and mindfulness, journaling, or coloring, and most importantly, talking to them about their day. This can be a great way to reset.
- Visit the Doctor: If you notice any changes in your child's oral, vision, or other physical health indicators, take them to the appropriate doctor – dentist, eye doctor, or general physician. They can help figure out what's going on.
- Seek Help: If you are worried about your child's mental health, don't be afraid to seek help from a therapist or counselor. Mental health is just as vital as physical health and seeking professional help should be seen as a strength, not a weakness. Each step we take for our child's wellbeing inspires them to become stronger and teaches them that it's okay to ask for help when they need it.
Navigating challenging periods and maintaining mental wellbeing can be demanding for adults. One can only begin to comprehend how difficult it might be for the children in our lives. That is why it is crucial to be vigilant and supportive of the young ones around us, as they might not always recognize their mental health struggles or know how to seek help. By paying attention to these subtle signs in their dental and vision health, you can catch potential issues they might be facing early on and help them get the support they need!