What to do if you think your child has mental health issues?
This section suggests a few things that you can try to help reduce any impact that your mental health problem may have on your children.
- Honest communication.
- Keep track of their mental wellbeing.
- Make sure their caring responsibilities are manageable.
- Think about what they need in their own lives.
When should children seek mental health treatment?
Young children may benefit from an evaluation and treatment if they: Have frequent tantrums or are intensely irritable much of the time. Often talk about fears or worries. Complain about frequent stomachaches or headaches with no known medical cause.
How do I know if my toddler needs a behavioral therapist?
Behavior problems that last for six months or more could be a sign that a child needs behavioral therapy. These problems are often more serious and can involve behavior that is aggressive or disruptive. Children with behavioral problems don’t seem to act their age.
What are 3 of the most common mental disorders in children?
ADHD, anxiety, and depression are the most common mental illnesses in children. Mental disorders in children are quite common, occurring in about one-quarter of this age group in any given year.
What should I do if I am concerned about my child’s behavior?
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, consult your child’s doctor. Describe the behavior that concerns you. Consider talking to your child’s teacher, close friends or loved ones, or other caregivers to see if they’ve noticed any changes in your child’s behavior.
Do you know the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children?
Unfortunately, many adults don’t know the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children. Even if you know the red flags, it can be difficult to distinguish signs of a problem from normal childhood behavior.
Why don’t more parents seek mental health care for their children?
Concerns about the stigma associated with mental illness, the use of medications, and the cost or logistical challenges of treatment might also prevent parents from seeking care for a child who has a suspected mental illness.
Can children have the same mental health conditions as adults?
Children can develop the same mental health conditions as adults, but their symptoms may be different. Know what to watch for and how you can help. Mental illness in children can be hard for parents to identify.