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    (iii) What could affect your child’s risk of developing mental health conditions

    As your child grows and develops, changes in their bodies, especially during puberty, can affect the way they feel and how they view themselves. They may also begin to value social belonging and connection more and feel lonely or rejected when this need is not met. As such, during this stage of life, your child may be more vulnerable to developing mental health conditions.

    By understanding the factors that can affect your child’s mental health, you can manage or reduce those that may negatively impact it. At the same time, you can also help strengthen those factors that contribute positively to their mental well-being.

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    What factors can influence the likelihood of developing mental health conditions?

    Factors affecting mental health can fall into two key categories: Risk factors and Protective factors.

    Risk factors negatively affect mental health and can increase the likelihood of developing mental health conditions.

    Protective factors positively affect mental health and shield against the effects of risk factors. They can also enhance mental well-being and prevent negative mental health outcomes.

    These factors can be further categorised as being biological, psychological, or social in nature.


    Some common risk factors include:


    Self-esteem issues

    • Having a negative body image

    • Feeling inadequate about themselves (e.g. in academics or other areas of their life)

    A negative outlook

    • Seeing the world in a pessimistic light (e.g. as threatening or hopeless)

    Poor habits and coping skills

    • Abusing or binge-drinking alcohol

    • Excessively gaming


    A natural predisposition

    • Being naturally more emotional or sensitive

    A genetic predisposition

    • Having a family history of mental health conditions

    Puberty

    • Changes in hormone levels

    Physical health conditions

    • Chronic issues (e.g. pain conditions, hypertension)


    Lower socioeconomic status

    • Having financial stressors in the family

    • A lack of access to support and other resources


    Traumatic experiences

    • Such as abuse, neglect, natural disasters, and other adverse childhood experiences

    Significant changes in their environment

    • Such as parental separation/divorce, or transferring schools

    Conflicts at home

    • Such as overly strict or controlling parents, and fights among family

    Conflicts with peers (e.g. bullying)

    Recent loss of someone close to them

    While keeping a lookout for these factors, it is important to remember that risk factors can also be present in the online space or be amplified due to the improper use of technology or social media.

    You should also keep in mind that a single factor cannot, on its own, cause your child to develop mental health conditions. Instead, it is usually a combination of risk factors that contribute to the development of a mental health condition.

    Some common protective factors include:


    • Positive self-esteem

    • Healthy coping mechanisms

    • Good problem-solving skills

    • An ability to understand, express, and manage feelings during difficulties

    • Feelings of security, calm, protection, and understanding from parents


    • A healthy diet

    • Adequate exercise

    • Sufficient sleep


    • Regular engagement and connections with peers (e.g. in school, sports, other cultural activities)

    • An ability to make friends and get along with others

    • A supportive network (e.g. with family, peers, teachers, other significant adults)

    • Good financial security

    • Access to support services and other resources

    • Clear and consistent routines, structures, and consequences at home and in school


    While keeping a lookout for these factors, it is important to remember that risk factors can also be present in the online space or be amplified due to the improper use of technology or social media.

    You should also keep in mind that a single factor cannot, on its own, cause your child to develop mental health conditions. Instead, it is usually a combination of risk factors that contribute to the development of a mental health condition.