AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)

Increased attention has been given to mental health issues that the youth face today. What many often overlook, however, is that emotional and psychological development begins from the day a child is born, an official from the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) said.

Speaking to Aletihad, Fatima Nasser Al Melhi, Director of Special Projects at ECA, said research confirms that children's emotional well-being starts to form through their earliest relationship - that between parents and their newborns.

Genetic factors, adverse experiences, and environmental stressors also influence overall mental health. "From birth, every moment of loving interaction, gentle tone, and responsive care strengthens the child's developing brain. These early experiences shape how the child feels secure, loved, and confident to explore the world," Al Melhi said.

During Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025, which concluded on Sunday, ECA raised awareness about how important it is to pay attention to children's early years, from conception to the age of eight. In terms of mental health, early childhood is about "building strong emotional foundations", Al Melhi said. By ensuring youngsters feel secure, valued, and connected, parents and caregivers can help them thrive with confidence and support them in exploring the world with curiosity.

Through their families, children learn what love feels like, how to manage fear, and how to trust others, she said. "Every tone of voice, every response, and every moment of comfort or neglect leaves a lasting imprint on how the child perceives themselves and the world around them."

Al Melhi cautioned against raising kids in an environment of constant criticism and relentless comparisons, which can lead to self-doubt. "Simple, daily interactions - listening attentively, praising effort over perfection, healthy lifestyles and routines, and viewing mistakes as part of learning - teach children that it is safe to try, fail, and try again."

She also warned against being overprotective, noting that shielding children from all discomfort deprives them of experiences that foster patience, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. "True resilience is not shaped by comfort alone, but by a family that allows children to face challenges with guidance, love, and structure."

The UAE's Strategy for Wellbeing and Quality of Life has made children's mental health a top priority. This vision focuses on prevention, early intervention, and the integration of mental health across the health, education, and social sectors, Al Melhi explained.

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health is spearheading a comprehensive Mental Wellbeing Programme to realise this goal. The three pillars of the initiative -Staying Healthy, Getting Better, and Sustaining Health-make sure that families and kids get the help they need when they need it.

"[The programme ensures] that prevention, care, and reintegration are addressed in a single, holistic system. It targets challenges such as under-diagnosis, limited awareness, and capacity constraints by introducing initiatives that span from early detection and workforce upskilling and making mental health services more accessible across the community," Al Melhi said.

The ECA raises awareness through community-based initiatives that support positive parenting and emotional literacy. At the heart of these efforts is Sakina, the emirate's integrated platform that links families with easily accessible, family-centred mental health care. "This comprehensive approach reflects a future-focused vision where every child in the UAE can grow up safe, supported, and emotionally healthy," Al Melhi said.

Early Signs of Mental Health Issues

Since young children may find it difficult to verbalise their feelings, distress is typically reflected in their actions and routines, Al Melhi said. Signs vary depending on age range. Here are some indicators to look out for:

• 0-3 years old: Watch for excessive irritability, failure to meet developmental milestones, lack of eye contact or social smiling, extreme reactions to sensory stimuli, or regression in previously acquired skills like language or toilet training

• 3-5 years old: Preschoolers may exhibit persistent separation anxiety beyond typical developmental stages, excessive tantrums, withdrawal from play, repetitive behaviours, delayed speech, difficulty with peer interactions, or re-enacting traumatic events through play.

• 6-11 years old: In school-age children, concerning signs include sudden academic decline, persistent complaints of physical symptoms without medical cause (headaches, stomachaches), difficulty concentrating lasting over 6 months, social isolation, excessive worry about performance, aggressive behaviour, or expressions of guilt and self-blame.

• 12-18 years old: Adolescents may show marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns, substance experimentation, self-harm behaviours, extreme mood swings, dropping grades, avoiding school, risky or impulsive behaviours, expressions of hopelessness, or complete withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.

Across all ages, any significant change in behaviour, mood, or functioning that persists for several weeks and interferes with daily activities, relationships, or development warrants professional consultation, as early intervention significantly improves long-term outcomes.