Shocking Insights from Kids’ Art Therapy Bootcamp: Why Mental Health Education Can’t Wait
The three-day art therapy bootcamp for children aged 6–12 held by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation revealed critical insights into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by young participants drawn from different schools in Enugu, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mental health awareness and education to promote holistic well-being. Key issues observed included name-calling, lack of resilience, and indecision, each with significant short- and long-term consequences if not addressed. Below, we outline these issues, their effects on children, and the potential negative outcomes if they persist into adulthood.
1. The Problem of Name-Calling
Issue and Effects on Children: Participants frequently reported being subjected to derogatory labels such as “duck mouth,” “fool,” “dummy,” "idiot", “fatty bum bum,” and “ugly duckling” from peers, teachers, parents, and others. These labels significantly undermined their self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental well-being. The internalization of such names fostered negative self-perceptions, leading to reduced motivation, impaired social interactions, and diminished academic performance. During art-based exercises, children visually expressed feelings of anger, worry, and sadness, often linking these emotions to the impact of name-calling.
Long-Term Consequences if Unaddressed: If carried into adulthood, the effects of name-calling can manifest as chronic low self-esteem, social anxiety, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Adults who internalize negative labels may struggle with professional confidence, experience higher rates of depression, and exhibit self-sabotaging behaviors, limiting personal and career growth.
2. The Issue of Lack of Resilience
Issue and Effects on Children: Many children displayed a lack of social, mental, and emotional resilience, with some expressing feelings of despair and exhaustion due to pressures such as bullying, academic stress, parental expectations, and neglect. A few participants admitted to contemplating giving up on life, highlighting the severity of their emotional distress. This lack of resilience hindered their ability to cope with challenges, manage emotions, and maintain positive peer relationships.
Long-Term Consequences if Unaddressed: Without intervention, a lack of resilience in childhood can lead to poor stress management, increased vulnerability to mental health disorders, and difficulty navigating setbacks in adulthood. Adults with low resilience may struggle with workplace challenges, exhibit avoidance behaviors, and face heightened risks of burnout or substance abuse as maladaptive coping mechanisms.
3. The Challenge with Indecision
Issue and Effects on Children: Indecision was prevalent among participants, particularly during painting exercises, where many struggled to make choices or commit to decisions. This behavior reflects underlying anxiety, fear of failure, or lack of confidence, which can impede problem-solving and independent thinking. Indecision also contributed to frustration and disengagement during activities, further affecting their emotional well-being and participation.
Long-Term Consequences if Unaddressed: Persistent indecision can evolve into chronic procrastination, fear of risk-taking, and difficulty with career and life planning in adulthood. Adults who struggle with decision-making may experience stalled professional growth, strained relationships, and a pervasive sense of unfulfillment due to missed opportunities.
Summary of Program Interventions
To address these issues, the bootcamp implemented targeted interventions:
Mental Health Awareness and Education: Conducted by trained child psychologist Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, these sessions equipped children with tools to identify and manage emotions, build self-esteem, and develop coping strategies.
Multi-Sport Activities: Led by certified trainer-coach Ebere Amaraizu, Chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation, these activities promoted teamwork, confidence, and emotional resilience.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The observations from the bootcamp highlight the critical need for intensive mental health education and support for children and adolescents. Name-calling, lack of resilience, and indecision not only impair children’s immediate well-being but also pose significant risks to their long-term mental health and success. By fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence through structured interventions, we can empower young individuals to overcome these challenges and thrive into adulthood. Continued investment in holistic well-being programs is essential to ensure children develop the skills needed for a healthy, productive future. To address these critical issues and foster success, emotional and physical resilience, self-awareness, and holistic well-being in children, we invite schools to schedule a visit with our team. Please contact us by emailing info@copeandlive.foundation or calling 08148318965 to arrange a program tailored to your students’ needs.
If things are getting out of hand, please call us on +234 814 831 8965 or send us an Email at: info@copeandlive.foundation