Health is not simply the absence of disease but complete physical, mental and social well-being. Children and adolescents who suffer from mental illness are usually hidden away from the public eye, are ostracized from society and face discrimination and stigma in their everyday living. Mental illnesses in children can be diagnosed and treated based on the signs and symptoms presenting and on how the condition affects a child’s daily life. The child will require closer than usual parental/guardian support when unwell. In Kenya, according to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), the average median age of onset of at least one drug or substance of abuse was 11 years while the lowest reported age of onset to drugs and substances of abuse was 4 years (2014).
Warning signs that a child might have a mental illness include:
· Mood changes. Look for feelings of sadness or withdrawal that last at least two weeks or severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships at home or school;
· Intense feelings. Be aware of feelings of overwhelming fear for no reason sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing or worries or fears intense enough to interfere with daily activities;
· Behaviour changes. These include drastic changes in behaviour or personality, as well as dangerous or out-of-control behaviour. Fighting frequently, using weapons and expressing a desire to badly hurt others also are warning signs;
· Difficulty concentrating. Look out for signs of trouble focusing or sitting still, both of which might lead to poor performance in school;
· Unexplained weight loss. A sudden loss of appetite, frequent vomiting or use of laxatives might indicate an eating disorder;
· Physical symptoms. Compared with adults, children with a mental health condition might develop headaches and stomach aches rather than sadness or anxiety;
· Physical harm. Sometimes a mental health condition leads to self-injury, also called self-harm. This is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. Children with a mental health condition also might develop suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide; and
· Substance abuse. Some children use drugs or alcohol to try to cope with their feelings.