World Mental Health Day 2025: Expert shares how families can normalize mental health conversations at home

Today is World Mental Health Day , a perfect reminder to check in on your mind as much as your body. Mental health matters, whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or just feeling off, taking care of your emotional well-being is key. Talk to someone, take a walk, meditate, or just breathe. Small steps count! Let’s break the stigma around mental health and support each other. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Your mind deserves love and attention every day, not just today!

On World Mental Health Day, we spoke with Kavita Kerawalla, Vice Chairperson of VIBGYOR Group of Schools, about what childhood depression looks like, how parents can spot the warning signs, and practical ways families can normalize conversations about mental health at home.

We often think of depression as an adult problem. How does depression actually manifest in children, and why is it so easily missed by parents or teachers?
Depression in children often shows differently than in adults. It can appear as irritability, withdrawal from friends or activities, loss of interest in hobbies, changes in sleep or appetite, or even a drop in academic performance. Because these signs are often subtle, or mistaken for “normal growing-up challenges”, they can be easily overlooked by parents and teachers. This makes it essential to create supportive environments at home and in school, maintain open conversations, and encourage children to express their feelings. Early awareness can make a meaningful difference in their emotional well-being.

What are some key behavioral signs of depression in children that differ from adults — especially when kids can’t express sadness in words?
Children often express emotional distress through behavior rather than words. Key signs can include loss of interest in school or hobbies, declining academic performance, withdrawal from friends, irritability, or sudden changes in routine and energy levels. Because children may not be able to articulate sadness, noticing these subtle shifts in behavior becomes critical.

What role do school pressure, social media, and family dynamics play in triggering or worsening depression in young people today?
Children today are growing up in a world very different from ours, where the internet and social media are deeply woven into daily life. Academic expectations are higher than ever, and family dynamics continue to shape their experiences. Online spaces, while offering connection and learning, can also expose children to constant comparisons, peer pressure, and subtle negativity, which can quietly affect their confidence, self-esteem, and mood. Family interactions, whether supportive or tense, further influence how they manage these feelings.

Parents and educators need to stay attentive, nurture connections, and create safe spaces for children to express themselves. This guidance can help them navigate these pressures and develop resilience.

In your experience, how does untreated childhood depression affect emotional development or lead to mental health issues in adulthood?
Studies suggest that untreated childhood depression can have long-lasting effects on emotional development. Children may struggle to manage stress, regulate emotions, or build healthy relationships if their feelings are not acknowledged and supported early. Over time, these unresolved challenges can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues in adulthood. Early recognition, open conversations, and supportive environments at home and in school are critical to helping children develop resilience and emotional well-being that lasts a lifetime.

With World Mental Health Day focusing on awareness, what can families do at home to make mental health conversations as normal as talking about physical health?
Families have a powerful role to play in making mental health a natural part of everyday life. Simple gestures, like asking children about their school day, how they felt in class, or their experiences with friends, and truly listening to their responses can open the door to meaningful conversations. Spending quality time together, speaking openly about emotions, acknowledging challenges, and showing understanding helps children feel safe and supported in sharing their feelings.

This becomes even more important during exam season, when stress and pressure are heightened, as open dialogue can help children manage anxiety and build confidence. Over time, such consistent care and attention make mental well-being feel as natural and essential as physical health.

Finally, what’s your message to parents who might be struggling to accept that their child could have depression — and to kids who feel unheard or misunderstood?
To parents, I would say it’s okay to feel uncertain or concerned. Accepting that a child may be struggling is the first step towards helping them feel supported, not judged. Listen with patience, observe without assumptions, and seek guidance when needed.

I believe that everyone involved in a child’s life, from parents to teachers and schools, should understand the importance of mental health and be able to recognize early signs. To support this, over the past few months, we conducted various sessions with child psychologists on critical topics such as bullying, mental health, and building emotional resilience. These sessions, open to all parents, helped in providing guidance on noticing subtle changes, approaching children with care, and supporting them even if they are hesitant to speak. Through these small steps, we hope to foster understanding so that children feel seen and heard, and families feel empowered to support them on their emotional journey.

To children who feel unheard or misunderstood, know that your feelings matter and you are not alone. Sharing your thoughts with someone you trust, whether a parent, teacher, or counselor, is a sign of strength. Together, families and schools can create a space where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.