According to Dr. Himani Narula, Pediatric Development and Behavior, Director and Co-founder of continue Kids (India), parents' mental health can directly or indirectly affect their mental health and comprehensive development. This begins right from the pregnancy stage and continues throughout the childhood, according to Onlymyhealth.
Factors from parents affecting children
Prenatal: Genetic factors, the mother's environment and the mother's anxiety or depression during pregnancy can affect the brain and psychology of the fetus.
Postpartum: problems such as postpartum depression, family conflicts, conflicts or lack of emotional connection between parents and children can all have a negative impact on children.
Children between the ages of primary and 5 and adolescence are the most vulnerable, as this is a stage when the brain develops strongly and is sensitive to environmental factors, says Dr Himani Narula. Stress, lack of care or improper care from parents can lead to emotional disorders, anxiety, reduced learning and social interaction skills.
Long-term impact on children's psychology and behavior
Children growing up in a family with a parent with a mental illness are often susceptible to:
Feeling insecure and isolated.
behavioral problems, learning problems, and emotions.
High risk of mental disorders as adults.
Even according to some statistics, for every 14 children with mental health problems, 1 child whose parents have had a similar problem.
Why is the early stages important?
The first 1,000 days of pregnancy (from pregnancy to 2 years old) play a fundamental role in long-term physical and mental health. Therefore, taking care of the mother's mental health during this period, including preventing and treating postpartum depression, is extremely important.
In addition, teaching children about emotional hygiene, detecting unusual signs early and intervene promptly is also a way to help children develop healthily, limiting the risk of mental disorders in the future.
Note
Dr. Himani Narula emphasizes that parents' mental health is not only a personal matter but also a key factor in nurturing and protecting the spirit of the next generation. By creating a loving, stable and positive environment, parents can contribute to building a solid foundation for their children's mental health and happiness.
