Mental health issues in children can be difficult to identify. As a parent, you may notice changes in your child’s mood, behavior, or personality, but not know if these are normal developmental stages or signs of a mental health problem. Here are some signs that may indicate your child is experiencing mental health issues and steps you can take if you are concerned.
Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Look for dramatic shifts that are out of character for your child, like sudden mood swings, withdrawing from family and friends, or acting out more than usual. For example, you may notice your usually outgoing child becoming extremely shy and reserved. Or your calm child starts having intense temper tantrums. Sudden changes like these may indicate an underlying mental health issue.
Extreme and prolonged sadness or irritability
It’s normal for kids to feel sad or angry at times. But take note if these feelings become severe or persistent over long periods of time. Prolonged and intense feelings of sadness or irritability can be red flags for mental health disorders like depression or bipolar disorder.
Excessive worry or fear
Some anxiety is normal, but excessive, ongoing worry or fear is a potential symptom of an anxiety disorder. Signs can include avoiding school or social situations, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, and clinging behavior. If your child’s anxiety is significantly disrupting their functioning, discuss it with a mental health professional.
Trouble concentrating
Inability to focus or pay attention could indicate conditions like ADHD or depression. Look for signs your child is distracted easily, procrastinates often, forgets things frequently, or seems “spaced out.” If concentration issues persist, consult their doctor or a mental health provider.
Declining academic performance
A sudden drop in grades or test scores may point to an underlying issue like anxiety, depression, or a learning disability. Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor for insight. Rule out other factors first, like a poor study environment at home. But significantly worse academic performance warrants an evaluation by a professional.
Self-harming behaviors
Cutting, burning, head banging, and other self-harming acts can be a way to cope with intense emotions like sadness or anger. Self-harm is most commonly seen in teenagers, though younger kids can exhibit these behaviors too. Seek help immediately from a therapist if you suspect your child is self-harming.
Substance abuse
Using drugs or alcohol can be a sign your child is struggling with a mental health issue like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Look for physical signs like bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, lack of coordination, and smelling like chemicals. Also watch for behavioral signs like secrecy, sudden changes in friends, and declining grades. Get help from a mental health professional that specializes in adolescent addiction.
Extreme weight loss or gain
Sudden significant weight changes may indicate an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia. Or they could signal conditions like depression or anxiety. Talk to your child gently and let them know you are concerned. Seek professional counseling to get to the root of the issue.
Trouble sleeping
Insomnia or frequently disrupted sleep can be a symptom of mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD can all cause sleeping problems. Look out for your child having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much. Persistent sleep issues lasting weeks warrant medical attention.
Talk of or attempts at suicide
All suicide talk or attempts should be taken extremely seriously. Ask your child directly if they are considering suicide or have a plan to hurt themselves. Listen compassionately without judgment. Immediately seek emergency mental health services, like calling 911 or taking your child to the ER. Stay with them until help arrives.
When to seek professional help
Trust your instincts as a parent. If you suspect your child’s concerning behaviors or moods may indicate a mental health issue, seek professional support. Here are some good times to reach out:
- Problems persist longer than 2-4 weeks
- Issues are disrupting home, school, or social life
- You have attempted interventions without improvement
- Your child expresses suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
- Mental health issues run in your family
Who to turn to for help
Consult one or more of these professionals if you are worried about your child’s mental health:
- Your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor
- A child psychiatrist or psychologist
- School counselor or social worker
- A therapist or counselor specializing in children and teens
Have an open conversation
When talking to your child about your concerns, be gentle, open, and non-judgmental. Here are some dos and don’ts for discussing mental health:
Do:
- Pick a quiet, private place to talk
- Express love, care, and concern
- Ask open-ended questions
- Be an active, understanding listener
- Reassure them you are there to help
Don’t:
- Yell, lecture, or shame
- Downplay or dismiss their feelings
- Force them to talk if they aren’t ready
- Make assumptions or diagnoze them yourself
- Promise confidentiality no matter what
Consider treatment options
If a mental health professional diagnoses your child, discuss the recommended treatment options. Typical treatments may include:
- Therapy: Talk therapy helps kids open up about emotions and develop coping skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are evidence-based options.
- Medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and antipsychotics can be prescribed for some mental health conditions, along with therapy.
- Lifestyle changes: Getting enough sleep, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and limiting screen time can support mental health.
- School accommodations: Through a 504 Plan or IEP, schools can provide accommodations like extended time on tests.
- Support groups: Connecting with peers facing similar challenges builds a sense of community.
Implement prevention strategies
While not a guarantee, there are proactive prevention strategies that may reduce your child’s risk of developing certain mental health issues:
- Model and teach healthy coping strategies like exercise, music, art, and talking to trusted friends and family.
- Promote open communication and check in regularly about their thoughts and feelings.
- Build your child’s self-esteem with consistent praise and affection.
- Limit screen time and prioritize offline connections and activities.
- Make regular mental health check-ups as much a priority as physical health.
Watch for secondary impacts
Untreated mental illness can lead to other serious consequences like:
- Problems at school – poor grades, disciplinary issues, dropping out
- Strained relationships – isolation, family conflict, difficulty maintaining friends
- Risky behaviors – drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, self-harm
- Chronic physical effects – headaches, stomachaches, poor appetite or overeating
- Long term mental health issues – depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders
That’s why getting kids effective support at the first signs of mental health concerns is so important.
Find healthy ways to cope yourself
Learning your child is struggling mentally can be frightening and overwhelming for parents. Make sure to take care of your own mental health so you can best support your child. Healthy coping strategies include:
- Sharing feelings openly with a spouse, friend or mental health professional
- Making time for yourself – reading, exercising, taking a bath
- Practicing relaxation techniques – deep breathing, meditation, yoga
- Eating a balanced diet and getting regular sleep
- Joining a caregiver support group
Have realistic expectations
Improvement of mental health conditions can take time. Avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself or your child. Remind yourself:
- You are not to blame – mental illness is complex with many factors.
- Setbacks are normal – recovery is an ongoing process with ups and downs.
- Progress will come – stick with the treatment plan and be patient.
- You are doing the best you can – give yourself credit for seeking help.
Conclusion
As a parent, your child’s mental health being at risk is frightening. You may feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to help. But there are trained professionals available to support you and your child through this challenge. Stay vigilant to any concerning changes in their mood or behavior. Talk to your child openly and compassionately. And don’t hesitate to reach out for support – for both your child’s wellbeing and your own.
With your active involvement, appropriate professional treatment, open communication, and a lot of love and compassion, children and teens with mental health issues can thrive. Have hope, stay strong, and know you do not have to walk this path alone. There are many trained experts ready to help you and your child successfully navigate this difficulty – one step at a time.