Mental Health in Children a Priority

By Joanna Kleovoulou
 
Covid-19 has highlighted mental health matters and brought complex challenges which had mental health repercussions for everyone, including children and adolescents.
Children as young as 6 have sadly committed suicide in our country.
 
An increase in anxiety, depression, AD(H)D, OCD, low self-esteem, bullying, addictions, adjustment and learning difficulties, to name a few, most of all having to with having to deal with losing loved ones, or fearing loss. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
 
These challenges inspired me, as a clinical psychologist, to create a fun activity book to provide a tool box of solutions for children aged 6 – 13 years, equipping them with a concrete tool-box to build resilience – fundamental for successful living and coping. Self-esteem is vital at this developmental stage impacting functioning and performance in adulthood.
 
I have created and launched a Mental Health Activity Book with a superhero called Sufi the Squirrel who is sensible, resourceful and wise. Sufi teaches children about EQ and mental wellbeing in a fun interactive way. I am very grateful and honoured that the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund has endorsed this book, recognising the need to psycho-educate and empower our children by caring for their mental wellbeing in a fun and engaging way, with % proceeds of the sale of these books benefitting their The NMCF Child Safety and Protection Programme.
 
If you would like to purchase a copy of the iMatter Activity Book, click here.