Mental Health Problems - Growing in Kerala

Newspaper, media, and reports are filled with the growing number of mental health related problems in Kerala. These reports are disturbing for people like us who take one-on-one counselling sessions. From the many sessions I hold in Trivandrum, I feel that most of these problems could be resolved with family support.

Many factors contribute to the extreme shoot-up of mental health related cases in Kerala. One of the reason can be attributed to the nuclear family system and the decline of extended family support. While there are other causes, it's important for individuals to maintain a health life composition.

Here're are few reasons that trigger stress in life and how it affects individuals.

• Family break up
• Death of someone very closer
• Family history (genes)
• Bad relationships with friends or peers
• Learning problems.
• Mental strain
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect from the family
• Physical injuries and dependence of others
• Missing of any family members
• Separation  and divorce.
• Violence.
• Unemployment and financial stress
• Homelessness 

Psychological Problems of Adolesent Children in Kerala

Unlike in the past, today's adolescent girls in Kerala go through various levels of stress. It could be internal (family) or from outsides sources. The adolescent stage is a very precarious phase of life when child goes through various physical and metal transformation. It's a time when parental support and guidance is required.

There's also a rise in delinquent behavior among adolescent girls in Kerala. In one survey it was reported that lack of parental guidance, involvement, attachment or lack of intimacy is resulting in abnormal among adolescent girls.

Adolescent girls are more prone to stress due to these elements

• Worries about schoolwork and study
• Difficulty in studies
• Bringing up in an unhappy family
• Sexual or verbal abuse
• Relationships problems with peers
• Weight related issues
• Looks and peer pressure
• Over exposure to T.V and Internet
• Parent - Adolescent Relationship

Role of family in building better relationship with adolescent kids

1. As a parent you can approach kids as a friend. Adopt a peaceful and a calm approach in understanding their problems. 
2. Don't jump into conclusions or accuse them. Instead show concern, support and most importantly be a good listener
3. Avoid constant supervision of their life - Be it their dressing, about friends or behaviors. In short stop being helicopter mom's 
4. Take clues from their words and try to understand the meaning in their words. Don't always take things lightly. Maybe, they are facing problems at school or have some stress from outside which they are not ready to share. If you suspect some problem, you can seek the support of good counsellors.
5. Never, never quarrel in front of your children. It can lead to stress and depression 

5 ways to Recognize Stress in Child

Is your child showing excess anger without any reason?
Does your child exhibit irregular mood swings?
Do you notice in the eating habits of your child?

School children are likely to display stress differently from adults. Very often we mistake kids’ stress as  physical symptoms such as frequent bouts of fever, or headache, stomachache, and even nausea.  Each child has a unique way of showing stress to the outside world.

As a parent you should be deligent to pick the signals or note the behavioral changes of your child. Knowing early, helps you to take corrective action without it agravates into a bigger problem.  For instance if your hyperactive child suddenly becomes moody then it’s your turn to take note of such changes and find the reason for such changes. 

You can help your kids reduce stress by following these 4 stress management techniques:

• Eat Healthy foods: Avoid junk food or high calorie drinks
• Regular Exercise: Physical activities like sports, games is a stress killer
• Give discipline: Don't overdo it. But, do corrective action at the right time
• Be a good listener These days kids expect parents to listen, and be a friend. You can be one.

For more details of child counselling in Trivandrum or if you want one-on-one consultation, then feel free to contact me at # 91 471 9387613503 or sandhyarani.sanil@gmail.com for appointments

Thank you.

Sandhya

About Child Counselling

I take care of child counselling in Trivandrum. I have experience in caring and giving support to the childrens coming with different problems. It's a confidential relationship between counsellor and the client.

I take individual counselling, family counselling, parent counselling etc.

You can contact me at 91 471 9387613503 or sandhyarani.sanil@gmail.com for appointments.