People are more prone to develop a mental disorder such as depression if their parents were not close to them in their early years, experts have said.

"The experience in the first six years is critical role in the formation of a child's personality and the sense of security," senior psychologist Liu Huaqing with the Beijing-based Huilongguan Hospital said Sunday, which marks the 19th World Mental Health Day.

According to Liu, a person is much more likely to develop a serious mental disease if he or she was not by their parents' sides in their early years.

Liu stressed that mothers should stay with their babies as much as possible for the first two years, and not send them to boarding kindergartens in their third year.

Further, he suggested that parents build up a sense of security in their children, such as telling them "we'll be back soon" or "we'll pick you up later" whenever they go to work or send their children to kindergarten.

"That is a process to build mutual trust. Otherwise, children might feel abandoned," Liu added.

According to the Ministry of Health, the mental health of children and youths are among the key focuses for this year's mental health campaign.