Is your child struggling with mental health? Here are the signs to look out for.
As a licensed mental health counselor, I work with children to help them become more aware of their feelings and cope with the ups and downs of life. As important as it is to take good care of our children’s physical well-being, it’s just as important to take care of their mental well-being too.
While not all mental health issues can be prevented, you can take steps to help keep your child as mentally healthy as possible. Today, I’ll be sharing how to identify if your child is struggling with their mental health and what to do about it.
Let’s start with some key things to be aware of:
1. Persistent Sadness
This one might sound a bit more obvious, but if you notice your child being more down than usual for an extended period of time, pay attention. An array of feelings (including sadness, anger, frustration, etc) are all part of the emotional spectrum we experience as human beings – including, and especially, with children. However, if your gut is telling you that your child has been consistently sadder than usual, this may be a clear sign that your child needs extra support.
2. Withdrawing from and/or avoiding social interactions
If your child has less interest in being with peers and having fun, this is also an indication that your child may be experiencing mental health issues. There are varying levels of social batteries on the introvert/extrovert scale – so that’s not to say there’s something necessarily “wrong” if your child is more reserved. However, if your child truly has no interest in playing with children their age and wants to be alone most of the time, consider consulting with a therapist who could help your child.
3. Uncontrollable behavior that can be harmful
Children are still learning how to regulate their emotions (in fact, many adults are still learning too!). Tantrums and behavioral issues can be common to a certain extent, but if your child is engaging in uncontrollable behavior that could themselves of someone else in danger, take action immediately. Get your child the care and treatment they may need.
4. Drastic changes in mood, behavior, or personality
As we discussed, children are still learning to manage their emotions and regulate their systems. It’s normal to have lots of feelings and not be sure how to handle them. Pay attention to any drastic changes in mood, behavior, or personality with your child. Consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional to help identify any undiagnosed mental health issues, so your child can get the support they need.
5. Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
Having a hard time sleeping and focusing is one of the telltale signs that someone may be struggling. It can be an indicator that there are unresolved feelings or anxiety that needs to be tended to. Take note of your child’s sleeping behaviors and ability to concentrate. This could help determine if your child is experiencing mental health issues.
Most importantly, remind your child that these feelings and experiences are normal and that they are not alone.
There may be many factors that can lead to mental health challenges in children, such as having a long-term physical illness, being bullied at school, and experiencing the loss of someone close to them.
The most important thing is to be aware of your child’s behavioral patterns so you can determine the coping methods your child requires.
Remember to remind your child that it’s okay to feel their feelings and that they are not alone. Simply having the space to honor the emotion without judgment is such an important practice to learn at a young age. Empower them to speak openly about their feelings and not keep things inside.