Neurologist examines children’s mental health

So many transitions happen for kids as they move from elementary to middle and high school.

It’s not just a school change, it’s also a big brain development.

The experience gained during this time can have long-term consequences.

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Neurologist and mental health expert Dr. Romi Mushtaq joined Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden in Florida to talk more about children and their mental health.

“Our brain begins to develop from the moment we are in the womb, and it develops throughout our lives. The key period of development is around the age of seven to eight years, but in fact it continues until the age of 25,” Mushtaq said.

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She said it was important to note.

“As we grow up, there is a bit of nature, that is, our genes, and nurture is the biggest part of it, that is, what social environment we are in, what kind of home life we ​​have, our sleep and wake cycles. All of these things play a role in how our mental well-being and our mental health develops,” Mushtaq said.

But she also notes that mental well-being and mental health are often confused.

She said that mental well-being is “our ability to cope and how happy and joyful we are, our mental health, we start to look at illness.”

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“Everything affects the mental well-being (of children),” Mushtaq said.

However, she added that children need three important things: schedule, environment and connection.

She said that when it comes to scheduling, parents and caregivers need to focus on regularity so that their child can feel secure and have a sense of rhythm.

If you’re looking for signs that your child may be experiencing mental health issues, Mushtaq advises looking for “abrupt behavior changes.”

She said it includes giving up on things they once loved, even if it’s an online game.

“It’s another thing to drastically change what they eat,” the doctor said. “Change in sleep and energy (another warning sign).”

“These are the early signs that when we sit in the role of doctors, parents come back and say: “Oh yes, this has been going on for several months,” Mushtaq added.

When it comes to talking to kids, Mushtaq reminds parents that it’s not enough to just ask them how their day went and settle for “good.”

She encourages parents to ask specific questions about what was good and bad about their day, and then “let the child feel their feelings.”

“If we give a child a safe space to get angry, frustrated, flare up, walk away, most emotions will subside within 90 seconds to three minutes, and now you just gave them that safe space to experience those feelings.” she said. said.

If your child is in trouble, Mushtaq recommends contacting your health insurance company to find out what benefits you have. She said school counselors are also good resources and pediatricians.

“Currently, the American College of Pediatrics has mandated annual mental health screenings for anxiety at age 8 and for depression at age 11 in all children.” She said

To contact Mushtaq, go to DrRomie.com.

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