When children struggle with their mental health, they may not talk about it directly, but they do send messages through their behavior. Learn the signs to watch for in this guest blog from Dr. Courtney Heim, child and adolescent psychiatrist, Plena Mind Center.
As parents, you want the best for your children; their well-being is your top priority. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, that is my top priority, too! According to the American Academy of Child and Psychiatry (AACAP), early intervention for childhood mental health challenges can prevent more serious mental health issues later in life. With May being Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month, it is a great opportunity to educate parents about the behavior signs that may indicate an underlying mental health challenge in their child.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Trust your instincts: As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. If you have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, trust that intuition and explore it further.
- Changes in behavior: If your child suddenly becomes more withdrawn, irritable, or easily agitated, it could be a sign that something is bothering them. Children may also become more clingy or have trouble with sleeping or eating (more meltdowns and tantrums could also be a sign of anxiety).
- Changes in academic performance: Children who are struggling with mental health challenges may have difficulty concentrating and completing tasks, leading to a decline in academic performance. They may also become more disorganized or forgetful. If your child’s grades are slipping or they are having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, it could be a sign that they need additional support.
- Physical symptoms: When your child complains about aches and pains like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue, it’s worth exploring whether there could be an underlying mental health challenge contributing to their discomfort. In these cases, symptoms may not have a clear medical explanation and may come and go or be persistent.
- Social challenges: Children who are struggling with mental health challenges may have trouble making friends or maintaining relationships with peers. They may become more isolated or avoid social situations altogether.
- Don’t forget to talk to your child: Encourage your child to talk to you about their feelings and experiences and validate their emotions! It is so important to let them know it is okay to ask for help.
It is also important to note that while these behavioral signs may raise concerns, it does not necessarily mean that a child has a mental health condition. Many of these behaviors can be a normal part of a child’s development or may be a reaction to temporary stressors. For example, young children may have short-lived fears (such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or strangers), but again, it is so important to trust your own instincts and seek help if you have concerns.
Watch for persistence and consistency of anxiety or mood symptoms that are unmanageable leading to avoidance or functional impairment – that is when you should look into therapy which is the first line of treatment for anxiety disorders in kids. (You could consider medication for severe symptoms.)
By paying attention to behavior signs and seeking help when needed, you can help your child get the support they need to thrive!
