Mental health in children can be hard to identify at times. It’s difficult to tell if a child is acting out because they’re that age or if it’s something to be concerned about. Nearly 5 million children in the US have some kind of mental health illness, with 20% being diagnosed yearly.
Mental health refers to your ability to think clearly, control your emotions, and behave appropriately. A pattern of thought, feeling, or behavior that is distressing or interferes with a person's capacity to function is referred to as a mental illness or mental health issue. This may involve problems with behavior, social skills, and mood regulation.
Here are some telltale signs to tell a child is struggling:
1. Changes in mood such as withdrawal or persistent sadness for two weeks or more, as well as changes in emotions such as intense fear or worry that interfere with usual, daily activities. Increased aggression and frequent temper tantrums are also factors.
2. Physical signs such as changes in eating habits, loss of weight, frequent headaches, stomachaches, or difficulty sleeping.
3. Changes in school such as behavior towards peers and teachers, academic performance, and difficulty concentrating.
4. Mental conditions may lead to self-harm or talking about it, not only this but it can lead to talking about suicide.
5. Substance abuse such as that alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
6. Being involved in fights, using a weapon, or wanting to hurt others is likely to be a factor in mental health.
Consult with your child's medical professional if you have any concerns regarding their mental health. Inquiring about any behavioral changes your kid has experienced with their teacher, close friends, family members, or other caretakers may be helpful. On the basis of a child's symptoms, signs, and how the problem impacts their everyday life, mental health conditions are identified and treated in children. Your child's doctor may advise having them assessed by a specialist, such as a clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist in order to make a diagnosis. Drugs or therapy are used to treat mental disorders. To understand how to live with a mental illness, it is crucial to seek expert advice in this respect. Support is also essential.
Works Cited
“Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?” NIMH,
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health.
Accessed 21 November 2022.
“Mental illness in children: Know the signs.” Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-
depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577. Accessed 21 November 2022.
Ogundele, Michael O. “Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief
overview for pediatricians.” NCBI, 8 February 2018,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5803568/. Accessed 21
November 2022.
