The Importance of Good Mental Health for Children and Young People

Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are among the most common mental health challenges facing children and young people. These challenges are linked to school avoidance and dropout, poverty, and other negative life outcomes. In the most severe cases, they can lead to suicide, which is the third leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide.

Children living in low and middle-income countries who experience poverty, displacement, racism, conflict, or gender-based violence often go undiagnosed and do not receive support for their mental health challenges. Health systems in the countries where they live frequently lack the resources, capacity, or funding to provide professional care to those who need it.

As a result, these children rely on schools and families to help them cope with difficult emotions and experiences. School closures, social isolation, and increased family stress caused by COVID-19 have made it even harder for them to access the support they need.

Right To Play prioritizes mental health in all of our programs. We have developed activities to identify and support those affected, trained teachers to recognize mental health challenges, and collaborate with partners who have specialized expertise in this area.

In August, Thomas Stordalen will begin the most important journey of his life. He will run 30 marathons in 30 days to raise awareness for a cause close to his heart: greater openness around mental health.

“I experienced challenges in my childhood and adolescence that later led to mental health issues, including severe anxiety and depression. I spent many years in the dark before finally seeing the light, and I’ve worked steadily over a long period to fully recover,” says Thomas.

In addition to raising awareness, his goal is to raise funds for two organizations that mean a great deal to him: Mental Helse Norge and Right To Play. In doing so, more people can help ensure that those struggling with mental health challenges receive the support they need.

“I’m proud that I overcame my struggles and took my life back. 30 in 30 is my Olympics, and I want to inspire and motivate others by showing that ordinary people can achieve incredible things, that dreams can come true, and that it’s possible to live a meaningful and fulfilling life with effort and the right support system.” Thomas concludes.

Join us in supporting Thomas and the children in our programs: Vipps a voluntary amount to #3000 and mark your payment with 30/30.

For many of the world’s most marginalized children, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Quarantine measures, lockdowns, and social isolation have had serious consequences for mental health. More than two-thirds of children have experienced a decline in their mental well-being during the pandemic. Girls, children on the move, and children with special needs have been particularly hard hit.

Right To Play uses play as a method to protect, educate, and empower the world’s most marginalized children. Even in the most challenging conditions where mental health services are not available, play can be used to support, encourage, and strengthen children and young people who are struggling.

Play helps protect children from the worst long-term psychological effects of trauma, grief, and isolation. It prevents mental health challenges from worsening and supports children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development even in difficult circumstances.

By using play-based psychosocial approaches, we create safe environments that help traumatized children understand and manage complex emotions such as grief, loss, and fear.

Play helps children recognize and express their feelings, while also supporting the development of positive relationships with peers and family members. It can reduce anxiety and boredom, improve concentration and focus, and restore a sense of normality, helping children build a more hopeful future.