50% of Mental Health Challenges Start by 14

Here’s How to Stop the Cycle

By the time most of us notice mental health challenges, they’ve been quietly building for years.

Did you know that half of all mental disorders develop by the age of 14?

It’s a staggering thought—while kids are still navigating friendships, school, and self-discovery, their mental health can already be at risk.

Picture this: a child sitting quietly in the back of a classroom, shoulders hunched, avoiding eye contact.

They’re overwhelmed by emotions they don’t understand, feeling disconnected from their peers and themselves.

Without the tools to express or process these feelings, the weight grows heavier, often carried well into adulthood.

But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be this way. Early intervention through emotional intelligence skills can make all the difference.

Science shows that when children are taught to recognise, understand, and regulate their emotions, it builds resilience, empathy, and self-worth.

And if you’re no longer a child? It’s not too late.

Emotional intelligence isn’t a skill we’re born with—it’s something we can learn at any age.

Imagine starting your day with just five minutes of mindfulness or a gratitude practice.

These simple habits help quiet the mind, create clarity, and develop a foundation of emotional strength.

Journaling in the morning can provide a space to reflect and reset, carving out time for your mental wellbeing, just as we’d hope for our children.

It’s not about big changes; it’s about consistent, small steps toward a healthier mind.

Whether it’s helping a child in your care or prioritising your own mental health, these practices contribute to a brighter, more balanced future for all of us.

Start today—set aside a few moments for mindfulness or gratitude.

These small acts can lead to meaningful shifts in how we feel, connect, and grow.