Parents and guardians have been urged to prioritise regular mental health check-ups for children as part of early efforts to detect and manage psychological challenges before they worsen.
A mental health specialist from Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dr Saidi Kuganda, said children are increasingly facing mental health challenges similar to those affecting adults and older people, making early screening and timely intervention critical.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Kuganda noted that mental health problems can begin at birth or develop later in childhood, particularly when a child experiences serious or recurrent illnesses such as severe fevers, or complications that affect brain development.
“Children are not immune to mental health disorders. These challenges may start very early in life, especially when there are complications during birth or frequent illnesses that interfere with normal brain development,” he said.
He emphasised that parenting styles, living conditions and overall lifestyle play a major role in shaping a child’s mental wellbeing.
According to him, unsafe or unstable home environments expose children to stress, anxiety and emotional distress, increasing the risk of mental health disorders.
Dr Kuganda also pointed to sexual abuse within families as one of the most serious factors contributing to poor mental health outcomes among children.
“Mental health challenges cut across all age groups children, adults and the elderly. Society should therefore not be surprised when children present with such conditions,” he said.
“Poor parenting, sexual violence, repeated severe illnesses and birth-related complications are among the key contributors.”he added
He urged parents and guardians to seek professional help as soon as they observe unusual behavioural or emotional changes in their children.
Warning signs, he said, include persistent sadness, excessive aggression, heightened anxiety, withdrawal from social interaction, and a sudden loss of interest in school or learning activities.
Dr Kuganda stressed that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve recovery outcomes and help children reach their full potential, calling for greater awareness of children’s mental health at family and community levels.
