All kids experience some challenges as they go through childhood, and most of the time these “rough patches” come and go without too much cause for worry. Sometimes though, a troubling phase lingers, bringing to light a mental health issue that could be resolved with the help of someone well-versed in the area of childhood development.
For example, while it is normal and even expected for children to experience sadness at times, a child who is sad most of the time and having difficulty getting through their normal activities might be experiencing depression. Similarly, although many children have nightmares on occasion, troubling dreams that increase in intensity and frequency could indicate feelings of extreme anxiety.
Local psychologist Dr. Ryan Macks stresses that parents should watch for “functional impairment.” He says that while everyone experiences sadness, depressed thoughts and moments of anxiety, when these issues begin to affect the ability to function optimally in one or more contexts, then it is probably time to seek help. He identifies red flags such as declining grades, dwindling social interactions with peers and less engagement with family members as areas of alarm. “When your child is avoiding activities that he or she usually enjoys or your child’s sleep patterns have significantly deviated from his or her norm, these become more of a reason for concern.”
Mental health issues can look different from child to child, and there are a wide variety of issues that can affect kids. A parent’s knowledge and intuition regarding their child goes a long way in helping to identify a problem. It is important to note that warning signs change as children age. Younger children tend to exhibit mental health issues through their behavior, while older adolescents may exhibit symptoms through their emotions.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) outlines several signs to watch for in younger children that could indicate a potential problem:
- Changes in school performance
- Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school
- Hyperactive behavior
- Frequent nightmares
- Frequent disobedience or aggression
- Frequent temper tantrums
Parents of adolescents should also take note of these troubling behaviors:
- Feeling excessively sad or low
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Substance abuse
- Social avoidance
- Changes in eating habits
- Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, NAMI recommends erring on the side of caution. Even mild symptoms can be relieved, and more severe issues respond best when treatment is sought in earlier stages. Your first stop might be your child’s school. Discuss your concerns with your child’s teachers and find out what services your school provides. Often, there is a counselor on staff who can help determine what steps to take regarding your child’s unique issues. Your pediatrician or family doctor can also recommend a local therapist or treatment center for help. The online Psychology Today database (www.PsychologyToday.com) lists provider information sorted by zip code, cost, specialty and other factors.
Most importantly, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. As a parent you wouldn’t think twice about seeking a professional Visit https://healtreatmentcenters.com/ to connect with mental health professionals specializing in children’s needs. opinion for a physical problem your child might have. Mental health should be viewed in the same way. Professional therapists, social workers, counselors and psychologists are trained to identify problematic behaviors in kids, and work with parents as partners in helping their child.
