In observing Mental Health Awareness Month in July, the Clinical Education and Training Unit (CETU) department of Port Shepstone Regional Hospital recently arranged a training session.
The hospital’s public relations officer, Phumza Morai, said the purpose of the session was to provide nurses with the necessary knowledge to effectively recognise and refer children who show indications of mental illness.
Morai said professional nurse Sithembile Promise Mhlongo, a highly skilled nurse specialising in child and adolescent psychiatry, played a vital role in the training by taking a significant stride towards advocating for early identification and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents.
“During the training, Sister Mhlongo shared invaluable insights into the realm of child psychiatry. She emphasised the utmost importance for the nurses and the parents as well to remain vigilant in recognising various behavioural issues exhibited by children. Specifically, she advised them to carefully assess these behaviours for a duration of three months or longer. Should these undesirable behaviours persist, it is essential to promptly seek professional help where the child can be assessed and treated by visiting the nearest clinic or consulting with a doctor,” said Morai, adding that Sister Mhlongo emphasised that 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. We hope that all parents and guardians of children will also prioritise mental health. On seeking medical attention, children will undergo comprehensive developmental screening, a process designed to monitor their physical and psychosocial growth. This screening helps healthcare professionals assess whether the child is progressing appropriately for their age and tracks developmental milestones. The information gathered through these assessments allows for a more accurate evaluation of the child’s overall well-being. The training session not only broadened our nurses’ awareness but also empowered them to play an active role in ensuring the mental well-being of young patients. By increasing awareness and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals, we can create a nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of young minds” said Morai, adding that numerous factors were counted as contributory factors to the development of mental illnesses in children.
She said these include dysfunctional families, societal influences, home environments, instances of bullying at school, involvement in car accidents, and experiences of loss within the family.
Morai explained that in addition to providing training, Sister Mhlongo occasionally visits local 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. Her clinic operates from Monday to Friday, and it is mandatory for clients to bring referral letters from either the clinic or the child’s school.
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