Children's Mental Health Week: Kids Discuss What They Think 'Mental Illness' Really Means

Kids Discuss What They Think 'Mental Illness' Really Means
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An increasing number of children are suffering from mental health problems, but how much do kids really know about these issues?

Four children, aged between nine and 11, were asked what they thought a mental illness was and sadly, not all of them knew what it meant.

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Kids discuss what it means to have a mental health condition

What is a mental health condition?

"Mental health is when someone goes a bit crazy," an 11-year-old said in the video above.

Lucie Russell, director of campaigns at YoungMinds, an organisation supporting children and young people's wellbeing and mental health, said children's misperceptions such as this, have often been influenced by the media.

"The media representation of mental illness is often negative, associating mental health problems with danger and unpredictability," she told HuffPost UK Parents.

"Parents should take the time to talk to their children about mental health, explaining that it’s something we all have, just as we all have physical health.

"Sometimes we feel well, sometimes not so well, and sometimes we all struggle to cope."

How can you help someone with a mental illness?

"Make them feel like they belong to this world as well," one child said.

Russell said parents should talk openly about mental health and where people can go for support, so children know who they can turn to for advice.

"Conversations should include positive mental health, resilience and the importance of seeking help when things are bad," she said.

"It helps to break down stigma and enables young people to look after themselves and each other."

Dr Fiona Pienaar, Place2Be's director of clinical services previously told HuffPost UK Parents that parents should act as an emotional role model.

"It's a mother saying 'I'm feeling upset because my friend is ill, so I'm going to phone them and have a chat' or 'I'm not feeling well so I'm going to make an appointment to go to the doctors'," she said.

Kids' Snacks That Boost Their Mental Health
Crunchy Roasted Lentils (01 of10)
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Pulses like chickpeas, beans and lentils are high in complex carbohydrates, protein and fibre, which all help stabilize blood sugar, which, in turn, helps keep moods even. Roasted chickpeas are a great go-to, but you can also roast lentils. This recipe offers two options: a savoury version topped with garlic salt, and a tempting cinnamon-sugar topped version, too.Get the recipe: Edible Perspective (credit:Edible Perspective)
Farinata Genovese(02 of10)
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This Italian flatbread is made with chickpea flour. Try topping it with tomatoes, ribbons of zucchini, or olives to get in another serving of vegetables at snack time.Get the recipe: Cinnamon Spice (credit:Cinnamon Spice)
Watermelon Slush(03 of10)
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Studies show dehydration can make it hard to think clearly, and affects mood and energy levels. So while drinking enough water is important for us all, you can also get some of your hydration from foods like watermelon. Slices of the fruit are usually a hit with kids, but you can also try this watermelon slush, which is especially tasty and thirst-quenching on a hot day.Get the recipe: Damn Delicious (credit:Damn Delicious)
Strawberry & Mango Fruit Salad(04 of10)
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No one feels happy when they’re sick. This salad is packed with hydrating fruit and vitamin C (especially if you add in some kiwi), which will help fight off sickness. Get the recipe: Cookin’ Canuck (credit:Cookin’ Canuck)
Caterpillar Kebabs(05 of10)
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These little kebabs couldn’t be cuter and the grapes and tomatoes they are made with are fantastic for staying hydrated. If you don’t have the cheese for the eyes, you can easily line the fruit up in the shape of a caterpillar and leave it at that. You’re sure to impress your kids either way, especially if they’re very hungry caterpillars themselves!Get the recipe: Little Food Junction (credit:Little Food Junction)
Baked Potato Bar(06 of10)
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According to a study from the University of Eastern Finland, a diet rich in folate may reduce the risk of depression. To get some folate into your kids, try setting up a baked-potato bar with toppings like black beans, cheese, avocado and more to get your kids to eat the good stuff. (And you don’t even have to turn on the oven; baked potatoes can be microwaved to cut down on the cooking time.)Other food sources of folate include dark leafy greens, sunflower seeds, oranges, broccoli and avocado.Note: Health Canada’s recommended dietary allowance of folate for kids varies depending on age. Visit the site here for more info. Get the recipe: The Yummy Life (credit:The Yummy Life)
Broccoli Parmesan Fritters(07 of10)
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Tempt your kids with these cheesy broccoli fritters. The fat from the cheese will help cut the slight bitterness of the broccoli. Get the recipe: Smitten Kitchen (credit:Smitten Kitchen)
Mini Tuna Melts(08 of10)
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Studies show that the EPA and DHA varieties of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in cold-water fish like tuna and salmon, may help with mood. These little muffin-shaped melts combine canned tuna, cheese, egg and more to make a perfect tiny snack that can easily be packed in a lunch. Get the recipe: Butter Is Not A Carb (credit:Butter Is Not A Carb)
Tart Cherry Pie Snack Balls(09 of10)
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Getting a good night’s sleep is very important for mental health. Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that is involved in sleep-wake cycles. There is some evidence that melatonin may help people fall asleep more quickly, so offer up one of these tart cherry pie snack balls as dessert. In a small way it could help your child get the rest she needs. Plus, it’s delicious!Get the recipe: Montmorency (credit:Montmorency)
Cherry Almond Butter Power Cookies(10 of10)
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Here’s another option for a tart-cherry dessert, which is also filled with healthy ingredients like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almond butter, banana, and, of course, tart cherries! Get the recipe: Montmorency (credit:Montmorency)