Beauty

Dubai: Why mental-health care must begin from age 0; expert shares tips for different life stages

Posted by

admin

On February 27, 2025

0 comments

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, learning disabilities, and many other psychological challenges affect children from birth to age 18. As they grow, they face new challenges that require intervention and support to ensure smooth development.

An expert recommended providing age-appropriate emotional support to help children navigate these developmental stages effectively. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to promote open communication and ensure that children feel safe in expressing their feelings and concerns.

“It is essential to promote healthy peer interactions and social skills while seeking professional help if signs of emotional distress, anxiety, or behavioural issues persist as they transition from one stage to another,” Dr Daniela Graf, pediatric consultant psychiatrist, told Khaleej Times during the recent opening of Young Valens, the first pediatric mental health clinic by The Valens Clinic.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Young Valens is dedicated to the mental health of infants and adolescents aged 0 to 18, ensuring easy accessibility for families.

Dr Graf said: “As a pediatrician, I see how the challenges children face evolve with age, brain development, and social environment. Their struggles are shaped by biological, emotional, and psychological factors, making it essential to address their needs at each growth stage,” she added.

She also noted each of the childhood stages present unique challenges—from attachment and trust issues in early childhood to academic and social pressures in middle childhood and adolescence.

Early childhood

Infants and toddlers (0 to 3 years) often experience attachment and separation anxiety. They form strong bonds with caregivers, which can lead to distress during disruptions.

Dr Graf noted: “Infants may have sensory processing issues, struggling with loud noises, textures, or touch. Early communication delays and challenges in regulating emotions and sleep may appear, as many toddlers experience tantrums and disturbances.”

Preschool years

The doctor further explained that as children transition to preschoolers (ages 3 to 6 years), they encounter social and emotional development challenges.

“Learning to share, express emotions, and build friendships can be especially challenging.”

During this stage, fears and anxieties may arise—such as fear of the dark or monsters—which can manifest as hyperactivity or difficulties following instructions. Separation anxiety may also be common as children adjust to school or daycare environments.

School age

For school-age children (6 to 12 years), academic pressure and learning difficulties may emerge, with struggles in reading, math, or concentration that can indicate conditions like ADHD or dyslexia.

Social anxiety can complicate peer relationships, making it challenging to create and maintain friendships and leading to feelings of exclusion or bullying.

“Emotional regulation is another crucial area,” Dr Graf added. “Children in this age group may experience mood swings and difficulty managing frustration.” Issues related to low self-esteem and perfectionism may arise due to peer criticism or academic challenges.

Teenage challenges

Adolescence (12 to 18 years) is when teenagers begin forming their identities. They may grapple with self-esteem issues while facing peer pressure and risky behaviors.

Dr Graf noted: “This stage often experiences social influences, leading to substance experimentation and rebellion.”

Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm may arise, coupled with overwhelming academic and career pressures regarding future choices and parental expectations, she added.

Early childhood intervention

To support children at each developmental stage, Dr Graf reiterated the importance of providing “age-appropriate emotional support, encouraging open communication to help the young ones feel safe expressing their emotions, and establishing consistent routines for stability.

“Early childhood intervention is crucial, but we also assist teenagers facing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges,” said Ziad Ghosn, COO and co-owner of The Valens Clinic.

Ghosn explained that mental health is as important as physical health, especially during childhood. “Given the increasing demand for specialised pediatric mental health care, we saw the need for a dedicated facility that offers a holistic, child-friendly approach to treatment.”

“There should be a multidisciplinary approach, where psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and nutritionists collaborate to provide a personalised treatment plan for each child. Sessions may involve individual therapy, family counseling, medication (when necessary), and behavioral interventions,” he added.

Ghosn also underscored professionals dealing with childhood mental health concerns should provide compassionate and evidence-based care. “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family therapy are the therapeutic modalities that can be offered,” he added.

Ghoshn also said it is important to have multiple therapy rooms, assessment areas, and play spaces, ensuring families’ comfort and privacy. “Warm, colourful, thoughtfully curated environment reduces anxiety and makes therapy a positive experience,” he added, noting: “A child’s surrounding is crucial to their comfort and openness to treatment, so we have to be more supportive and engaging.”