Children’s Mental Health: How To Identify

Parents should be mindful of their children’s mental health. Even though they’re not yet grown-ups, they still have emotions that parents should pay attention to. It’s true that a child’s brain is still developing and there’s so much more for them to encounter. You may be getting tired or annoyed at their babbles and unnecessary tantrums but hey, it’s normal. 

Be reminded that they, too, get frustrated, sad, angry, confused, happy, excited, and active as you do. Parents and even family members should look out for their children not only in their physical needs but also mental needs. In this blog, we will share why mental health is important among children and the indicators of children’s mental health wellness.

Why Children’s Mental Health Is More Important Than You Think

According to Mayo Clinic, mental health disorders among children can be hard to identify as it is often confused with the developmental or growing-up stage. Even so, these disorders among children are as real as the disorders that adults get diagnosed with. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are present in young children as well as in teenagers and adults.

Do you know that Autism, Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common mental health disorders among children? These conditions delay developmental progress and need professional intervention from qualified practitioners like psychologists, speech therapists, and even social workers.

Parents may not be able to identify the mental health symptoms of Autism, APD and ADHD immediately but when children are of school age, they will be assessed for their learning and motor skills. However, fits of rage, constant panic, or social withdrawal can be noticed. Parents who are present in their children’s lives will be able to detect these symptoms and have them screened for mental health disorders.

While children may display normal emotions and behaviors, it’s important for parents to determine what’s going on in their children’s lives. Children’s Mental Health should not be underestimated. In fact, if a child suffers from poor mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, they may carry it all throughout their life unless treated. Cases like that have impaired the quality of life of these children while growing up. As for children who grew up undiagnosed with a mental health disorder, they tend to have developmental delays, negative coping methods, and trouble fitting in society.

Proper intervention in early childhood is needed when it comes to mental health. Parents should always look out for their children in all aspects including mental health. There are professionals who are willing to help in formulating treatment plans for your child suffering from mental health disorders. Take note, you are part of the recovery process. If you’re a parent, don’t you think that one of the ways to build up strong and mentally healthy individuals is to care for children’s mental health?

There are many things that children can show to you aside from their curiosity and energy. Sometimes, they can have bouts of anger, low self-esteem, speech problems, learning difficulties, and more. 

Indicators of Mental Health in Children

Take a close look at your child and get to know their struggles better. You can check the indicators of low mental health wellness in your children below:

Social Withdrawal

Children tend to be shy sometimes but too much shyness can lead to isolation. When children are keeping to themselves more than often, you should calmly ask your children “how are you?”. If they respond that they’re fine, you can question them “Is something bothering you?”. Make sure that you initiate the conversation in a soft and caring tone.  Children are sensitive so your tone of voice matters. Social withdrawal can be a symptom of depression, but the good news is that it can be treated.

Bouts of Tantrums

Tantrums can look like anger, crying or both angrily crying. When your child is doing this even in small situations like not being given attention (when family members are busy), your child may have difficulty handling their emotions. They may have anger management issues that can be worked on with the help of psychologists and parents. Normally children who throw tantrums are normal when their wants are not met, but if it happens more than normal (even when family members are not doing anything wrong to them) then it might be best to get the help of a professional.

Speech and Language Problems

You may not know this but speech problems among children are pretty common. They’re also linked to poor mental health because of feeling down due to the bullying of other people and their low self-confidence because they have differences in speech and language. This can also be called a language disorder if they have delays in understanding and speaking the language around them. Another disorder could be Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).

Anxiety 

Like adults, children tend to worry, too. Too much worrying can be hereditary or environmentally caused. If your family has any history with anxiety, you may have your child screened for anxiety-related disorders. Children who worry a lot also have unresolved trauma. This can be due to family problems or bullying in school. Some children who suffer from very serious traumatic events may also suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD). If you notice children being triggered with anxiety attacks, you can refer them to psychologists.

Violent Behaviors 

Children often learn from the environment they are residing. Oftentimes, they look up to role models such as parents and guardians. When their role models are not displaying appreciative behavior or manners such as foul language, bullying, physical abuse, and more, children will follow it. If you’re a parent whose child is displaying moderate to severe violent behaviours, you can correct it with the assistance of a psychologist.

M Psych Services: Your Mental Health Partner

Children’s mental health should be a priority. Thankfully, we have professionals who can help your child improve. With this, you can help raise a holistically healthy generation and have a better quality of life in the family. For counselling sessions, book here.