Children, from infants to adolescents, can be affected by mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10 – 20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders worldwide.
Studies have found that in South Africa, HIV infection, substance use, and exposure to violence increased a child’s vulnerability to mental disorders. The mental health services children and adolescents receive play an important part in reducing the burden of mental disorders in childhood and later in adulthood.
Mental health disorders still have a stigma attached to it, although it’s treatable and in some cases, you can make a full recovery. People with mental disorders can live completely normal lives with treatment which may include medication and therapy. It’s important to take all medication as prescribed and not to stop treatment when you’re feeling better without consulting your healthcare provider.
There are a range of mental health issues and disorders that children can experience, including:
Anxiety disorders
It’s normal for children to experience some worry and anxiety at some point, for example, before writing an exam, public speaking, etc. If your child displays excessive stress and worrying that may affect their ability to function normally, this may be an indication of an anxiety disorder. These are disorders that may include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia or generalised anxiety disorder.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
This is one of the more known childhood mental disorders. Symptoms in most cases include one or more of the following: hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviour.
Autism spectrum disorders
Autism is a developmental disorder that usually appears before age 3. Autism always affects the way a child interacts with others and their ability to communicate.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia often appears in late teens to early 20s and causes the person to lose touch with reality.
Depression
Depression causes someone to feel an intense sadness, feeling helpless, hopeless and worthless for an extended period. The person may lose interest in things they previously enjoyed, such as hobbies and social activities.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is marked by periods of elation (mania) which may cause the person to be out of touch with reality. This is usually followed by a period of depression and low energy. This mental disorder is characterised by severe or extreme mood swings.
Eating disorders
There are 3 types of eating disorders, namely:
Possible signs and symptoms of mental health disorders
Although it’s difficult for parents to identify mental disorders in their children, there are certain signs to look out for:
How can I support my child?
There are steps you can take that can make a difference in the treatment and management of your child’s mental health:
Where to get help
Red Cross Children’s Hospital has a special division that deals with child and adolescent psychiatry. Referrals to this service are done via community health clinics. Services offered are assessments, treatment (including individual, family and group therapy).
Contact:
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (DCAP)
46 Sawkins Road, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 685 4103
Fax: 021 685 4107
Email: dcap@westerncape.gov.za
Mental health hospital services:
Provincial services for children are available at the following units:
Specialised in- and out-patient services for selected mental health disorders are also available at the University of Cape Town's Psychiatry Department, at Groote Schuur Hospital, Stellenbosch University's Psychiatric Department, and from Tygerberg Hospital.
For information on access to hospital services for adults and children living in the other regions contact:
Other support:
Cape Mental Health
Cape Mental Health offers help in any of the following circumstances, with a range of counselling, rehabilitation, care and training services. Their work is divided into three main areas:
Contact:
Address: 22 Ivy Street, Observatory
Tel: 021 447 9040
Fax: 021 448 8475
Email: info@cmh.org
Website: http://www.capementalhealth.co.za/
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG):
If you need a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist or support group, you can call The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 011 234 4837 or 0800 20 50 26 and speak to a trained counsellor who can assist you further.
Offices are open 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm.
Fax number: 011 234 8182
Substance Abuse line: 0800 12 13 14 is available 24hrs.
Email: Zane on zane@sadag.org
Website: http://www.sadag.org/
ADHD Helpline
Helpline: 0800 55 44 33
Autism South Africa
Tel: 011 484 9909
Email: info@autismsouthafrica.org
Website: http://aut2know.co.za/
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of Southern Africa (ADHASA) |
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Western Cape |
Maryna Fourie Tel: 083 441 8836 or 021 976 8134 Email: Maryna@sfa.co.za Services Offered: Meetings, advice, referrals |
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Durbanville |
Tia & Deon Beugger Tel: 082 506 1918 or 021 975 5697 Email: tiabeugger@yahoo.com Services Offered: Durbanville Support Group. Workshops alt. Months, referrals, advice |
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Kensington / Maitland - Cape Town |
Leanne Summerton Tel: 082 899 1891 Email: leanne.summerton@gmail.com Services Offered: Support Group Meetings, referrals, advice |
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Paarl / Wellington |
Retha van Wyk Tel: 083 407 2552 or 021 872 5620 Email: rethavw@telkomsa.net Services Offered: Paarl Support Group. Educational Psychologist, Library of information |
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Garden Route |
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Knysna |
Hanneli Kemp Tel: 083 447 0372 or 0443821168 Email: info@neurocentre.co.za Services Offered: Neuro Stimulation Centre (Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, Auditory Integration etc) |
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South African Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorders Alliance
Tel: 011 326 0661
Fax: 086 551 8491
Office Hours: weekdays 9am – 1pm
Email: info@sabda.org.za
Alternatively contact: Ronnie on 011 268 1166
Website: http://www.sabda.org.za/Home/index.html