How to Promote Children's Mental Health & Help them Overcome Psychosocial Difficulties?

The mental health of children is considered one of the most significant factors that greatly affect their future lives. Children facing psychological challenges may encounter difficulties in learning, social adaptation, and emotional and physical growth. These psychological issues can also have lasting effects on their future, making them more susceptible to mental illnesses, social problems, and psychological disorders.

Therefore, prioritizing the mental health of children is crucial for families, communities, governments, and institutions dedicated to providing care for children. We must work together to create a healthy and safe environment for children facing psychological challenges, especially those who have not grown up in a stable family atmosphere. Providing the necessary support for them to overcome these challenges and access appropriate psychological treatment and care is essential.

In this article, we will discuss how to enhance the mental health of these children and help them overcome psychological and social difficulties. Additionally, we will explore the role of the Jordanian SOS Children's Villages Association in promoting the mental health of children under their care who lack family support.

How can we help children who have not grown up in a stable family environment to overcome psychological and social challenges?

First, we must work towards providing a safe and supportive environment for these children. Ensuring that they live in an environment free from violence, oppression, and discrimination is essential. Additionally, this environment should be conducive to learning, growth, and exploration. Children should feel safe, loved, and supported by the surrounding community, whether it is the family, school, or the broader social community.

Second, it is crucial to provide psychological healthcare for these children. They often face mental health issues due to the various difficulties and challenges they encounter. This requires the provision of necessary mental healthcare for them. This can be achieved through individual psychological support, whether through counseling or support from family and friends.

Third, promoting a sense of acceptance and belonging is critical. These children may feel isolated and socially excluded, so they need to feel like an integral part of society, accepted and loved. Educational institutions, local communities, and families can provide emotional and social support for these children. Providing opportunities for them to participate in social, sports, and artistic activities is vital. Additionally, fostering a sense of acceptance and belonging can be achieved through volunteering opportunities, charitable work, and collaboration in community development projects.

Fourth, raising awareness and educating about mental health can help improve public awareness of the importance of mental care. Health institutions, educational entities, and local communities should provide the necessary support to enhance mental health. This involves offering mental health services and training teachers and social workers to deal with these children. Additionally, these institutions can provide educational resources for children and their families on handling psychological difficulties and maintaining good mental health.

Finally, promoting the mental health of children and teenagers is an important priority that can be achieved through policies and laws that support and protect mental health. This includes supporting caregivers in providing care during the upbringing stage of childhood, implementing school programs, and improving the quality of community and online environments. School-based social and emotional learning programs are among the most effective strategies for promoting mental health.

How does the Jordanian SOS Children's Villages Association promote the mental health of children under its care, especially orphans and those lacking family support?

The Jordanian SOS Children's Villages Association aims to enhance the well-being of children, empowering them to face life's pressures, realize their potential, and contribute effectively to the local community. Mental health and well-being enhance an individual's ability to make decisions and develop social relationships.

SOS Children's Villages Jordan works to provide precise medical care and psychosocial support services for the mental health of children and youth in its care. The Association's efforts extend to providing healthcare services for beneficiaries through various programs, such as the Safe Homes Project and The Family Strengthening Programme. Additionally, the Association continues to provide psychological support to members of the local community through targeted training sessions, including positive parenting, mental health, and prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

The Association also prioritizes the physical health and psychological well-being of children and youth through extracurricular activities such as sports and art clubs. These initiatives include a variety of activities such as chess, jiu-jitsu, ballet, music, and agriculture.

Moreover, the Association gives priority to the mental health of caregivers by providing access to psychologists and implementing stress-relief programs for them, while also enhancing partnerships in the field of psychological support. Furthermore, two psychological specialists from the village joined the diploma program in art therapy, obtaining technical, international, and professional licenses, strengthening the Association's ability to provide comprehensive health and well-being services.

The association also works to promote preventative interventions in the field of mental health to avoid psychological disorders. This involves identifying individual, social, and structural factors that affect mental health. These interventions contribute to providing supportive environments for mental health, including programs promoting mental health and preventing psychological disorders. This to offer comprehensive psychological support to children, enabling them to acquire the necessary life skills and face various life challenges, such as bullying and exploitation.

Regular sessions conducted by psychological specialists in the villages assess the psychological well-being of the children and implement necessary interventions to enhance their mental health and prevent psychological disorders.

The association encourages its children and youth to participate in sports and artistic activities based on their interests and preferences. Some engage in Taekwondo, swimming, drawing, music, chess, football, and more. These activities help them release energy and improve their mental and physical health.

The association also ensures the celebration of various occasions in the villages, such as Mother's Day, iftars during the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, World Orphans Day, and other celebrations that bring joy to the children and youth, contributing to the enhancement of their mental health.