[Medical Q&A] What are some small ways to promote children’s mental health?

Author: Zhang Cheng, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital

Zhang Xueqian Beijing Huilongguan Hospital

Reviewer: Liu Huaqing, Chief Physician, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital

We can improve our children's mental health through some small methods.

First, do proper exercise and learn relaxation techniques. Exercise can help release negative emotions and energy accumulated in the body, promote the secretion of pleasurable substances such as dopamine, and help relieve mental stress. Some breathing relaxation techniques and mindfulness techniques are also effective ways to improve mental health.

Second, get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. If you sleep less, you may feel depressed and have a negative impact on your mental health. It is recommended that you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce the intake of processed foods and sugar, which can improve your body's functions and help you maintain emotional stability.

Third, maintain social frequency and provide emotional support. Social interaction is essential for mental health. Friends, family, and classmates can provide emotional support to children, giving them a sense of belonging and security, and reducing psychological stress. Therefore, you can consciously spend more time socializing with friends and family members who get along well with you, and have regular gatherings.

Fourth, seek regular psychological counseling and professional help. If the child encounters some problems that he or she cannot solve for the time being and affects work, study and life, he or she can seek help from a professional psychological counselor to learn some effective stress management techniques, positive thinking patterns, etc., to help the child restore good social functions.