Nurses trained to recognise mental illness in children

To observe mental health awareness month in July, the Clinical Education and Training Unit at Port Shepstone Regional Hospital arranged a training session on child and adolescent psychiatry skills recently.
The purpose of this session was to provide hospital nurses with the necessary knowledge to effectively recognise and refer children who show indications of mental illness.

Nurse Sithembile Mhlongo who is highly skilled in specialised child and adolescent psychiatry played a vital role in this training, taking a significant stride towards advocating for early identification and treatment of mental disorders in both children and adolescents.

Mhlongo shared invaluable insights into the realm of child psychiatry. She emphasised that nurses and parents remain vigilant in recognising various behavioural issues exhibited by children and advised that they need to carefully assess behaviours for three months or longer.

“If undesirable behaviours persist, it is essential to seek professional help where the child can be assessed and treated by visiting the nearest clinic or consulting with a doctor. Mental disorders in children are initially identified during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. It is crucial to prioritise early intervention and treatment to promote healthy development and ensure a brighter future for children facing mental health challenges,” added Mhlongo.

She said on seeking medical attention, children will undergo comprehensive developmental screening, to monitor their physical and psychosocial growth. This helps healthcare professionals assess whether the child is progressing appropriately for their age and tracks developmental milestones.

Mhlongo said there are numerous contributing factors to the development of mental illnesses in children. “These include dysfunctional families, societal influences, home environments, bullying at school, involvement in car accidents, and experiences of loss within the family.” she explained.

She occasionally visits schools to evaluate children’s mental well-being. If she identifies any abnormal behaviour, she promptly refers them to the hospital for further assessment and clinical care. The clinic operates from Monday to Friday, and referral letters from either the clinic or the child’s school are mandatory.

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