Just as you can help prevent a child from catching a cold or breaking a bone, you can help prevent a child from having mental health problems. We know what it takes to keep a child physically healthy-nutritious food, exercise, immunizations - but the basics for good mental health aren't always as clear. The first "basic" is to know that children's mental health matters. We need to treat a child's mental health just like we do their physical health, by giving it thought and attention and, when needed, professional help. 

Consequences of Mental Illness May Be Prevented 

Although there can be a genetic or biological component to mental illness, and many children live in unsafe environments that put them "at-risk" of developing mental health problems, the consequences of mental illness may often be prevented through early intervention. At the very least, it is possible to delay mental illness and/or lessen symptoms. The best way to promote children's mental health is to build up their strengths, help to "protect" them from risks and give them tools to succeed in life. 

Mental Health Promotion 

Promoting a child's mental health means helping a child feel secure, relate well with others and foster their growth at home and at school. We do this by helping to build a child's confidence and competence - the foundation of strong self-esteem. This can be achieved by providing a child with a safe and secure home; warmth and love; respect; caring and trusting relationships with family, friends, and adults in the community; opportunities to talk about experiences and feelings; time to play, learn, and succeed; encouragement and praise; and consistent and fair expectations with clear consequences for misbehavior.