Mental growth, development, and mental illness in kids

Preface
The brain of a newborn baby is developing. In the first year, the number of brain cells increases and other development takes place. Brain growth is complete in two years, but the personality and temperament continue to take shape till the age of twenty. Many factors contribute to the formation of mental traits. These factors are heredity, nutrition, parental love and good behavior, surrounding social conditions, etc.

Heredity
Children inherit some mental traits. Mental illnesses (especially severe ones) are also somewhat genetic. But not all mental illnesses are genetic. The following other factors are also important for mental health.

Family support
Getting parental love in childhood is essential for mental health. It is necessary to take care of the child with love, not to hide, to understand and explain to him, not to quarrel, to teach calmly, to teach him to have good relations with the people around him, etc. When childhood is filled with feelings of insecurity, fear, or lack of love, children are affected. Its repercussions are felt in later life. Mental weakness, lack of confidence, and criminal nature come to some extent from such unfortunate homes.

Nutrition
During the first two years of brain growth, adequate amounts of protein and calories are required. When the supply of protein decreases, the growth of the brain decreases. In particular, it has an adverse effect on intellectual growth. Malnutrition has many long-term consequences. There is a possibility of mental weakness, an unbalanced nature along with physical weakness. Malnourished children have less physical and mental capacity in the future.

Social and economic conditions
Social inequality, unemployment, and financial insecurity all lead to depression, suicidal tendencies, aggression, crime, mental imbalances, etc. These factors play a significant role in the development of mental illness. Farmer suicide is a prime example.

Physical illness
Apart from malnutrition, some physical ailments lead to mental illness. These include meningitis, meningitis, maternal goiter, loss of intellectual capacity in the offspring, brain injury at birth or accident, and syphilis. Alzheimer’s disease is a longevity challenge.

Addictions
Addiction to alcohol and other drugs gradually develops mental disorders. Alcoholism is a major cause of depression in our society. Mental illness is caused by a number of complex factors. Psychiatrists should be looked at keeping in mind that the fault lies with the person and the community.