Through their stages of development, children will experience a variety of moods that affect the way they behave. While it is natural for moods to fluctuate from time to time, how can you tell if a change in mood or behavior is normal or if this is a more serious sign that your child is struggling with mental health?
Defining mental health
First, it is important to understand mental health. Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Everyone can experience mental health issues – children, adolescents, and adults. Symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe. Some people are less vulnerable to mental health issues, while others may go through periods or struggle long-term.
While many adolescents have adequate mental health, if you believe your child is in distress know, they are not alone. The U.S. Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs estimates “49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.” Examples include attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and learning disabilities.
What to look for
How can you tell if your child is in distress? If you see a change in mood or behavior that lasts two weeks or more, and disrupts regular functioning, it could be a sign your child is struggling with their mental health. Signs to look for include:
• drop in school performance
• appetite changes
• persistent sadness
• frequent headaches or stomachaches
• withdrawal from or avoiding social interactions
• appearing afraid or worried
• difficulty concentrating
• school absences
• frequent outbursts of anger
• self-harm or discussing self-harm
Untreated mental health problems can disrupt children’s functioning at home, school, and in the community, leading to serious problems later in life. Early identification and intervention are critical to understanding and addressing symptoms to help your child live a healthier and happier life.
What to do
Talk about it. Conversations about mental health can be uncomfortable, but they are important to supporting overall well-being, because physical and mental health are closely related. To overcome this discomfort, talk openly about mental health like you would about any other medical problems, such as allergies, asthma, or diabetes. Having these positive conversations early and often will reduce the stigma around mental health, and help your child see you as a trusted resource if they experience distress.
If you suspect your child is struggling, express your concerns in a calm and reassuring manner. Encourage your child to talk about how they feel and listen with empathy. Be reassuring and help them understand mental health conditions are common for adults and children.
Get help. You know your child best, and if you suspect they may be going through any difficulty, do not hesitate to ask for help. Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician, and be ready to describe the behaviors that concern you. Your child’s pediatrician can help you differentiate typical/normative development from something more serious and, if needed, can connect you with a skilled mental health professional.
Support your child. As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your child’s treatment plan. You can help them by learning as much as you can about their condition, creating an environment where they feel supported and safe, and providing positive feedback and encouragement. It also is important to remember your kids learn by watching you, so set a good example, and model habits such as staying positive, taking care of your physical health, developing healthy coping skills, and talking to someone if needed.
Parents and caregivers often are the first to see signs that their child is struggling with mental health. Recognizing the signs and getting help early are critical as this can prevent problems from becoming more serious. If you are concerned your child may have a problem, do not hesitate to speak with their pediatrician.
Gisel Mendez-Cordero, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist with experience working with pediatric patients at Healthcare Network, a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring primary healthcare is accessible to everyone in Collier County. For more information, call 239-658-3000 or visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org.