Bengaluru, Nov 14 : Studies have found a link between bullying and a higher risk of mental health problems during childhood. A free service offering psychological assistance allows children with disabilities to help those in need.

Breaking the taboo around child depression, online platform Medikoe has partnered with Pebbles n Pearls Child and Adolescence Healthcare Centre on the occasion of Children's Day and announced free consultations for five days for children aged 6-15. 

These sessions will be conducted by a team of trained counsellors under the supervision of Pediatrician Gowher Yusuf. Children necessitating assistance will be referred to appropriate levels of treatment within the facility.

"Screening for mental and emotional wellbeing should be a routine part of precautionary health check-ups in children and young people. It is commonly believed that children can't be depressed. Nevertheless, we are seeing children as young as six suffer from depression," Yusuf said. 

"These difficulties get exhibited in several forms, fluctuating from poor academic performance to suicidal thoughts." 

"Prompt intervention and treatment are crucial in aiding children regain control over a problems that may interfere with their daily functions and responsibilities," he explained. 

The first level counselling will be free of cost. It will take place from November 14 to 18, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m with a prior appointment.

"This initiative will allow us to reach out to parents all across the city to create awareness of this unspoken ailment termed as Depression. We are keen on creating awareness among parents and urges them to give their children sound mental health on this occasion of children's day," Founder and CEO of Medikoe Sreevalsan Menon said.