Signs That Your Child May Need Additional Help Mentally in Life

Most parents have that desire and instinct to protect their children. You, like any other parent, look after your kids’ needs. When a fever, or even when a simple rash appears, you immediately rush your child to the pediatrician. When your child gets an injury, you immediately rush to the doctor.

Visible injuries are often very easy to detect and treat. However, it is different when your child begins to have problems at school, with friends, or when your child begins to show stubbornness or have unexplainable impulses.

Such behavior or circumstances often leave you feeling unsure and confused about what to do. Those instances could indicate an underlying mental condition. Mental illnesses are generally difficult to detect or identify. As a consequence, most kids who could benefit from mental treatment do not actually get the help they need.

Parents must understand the warning signs of mental illness in their child and know how to address them. Read further to know what mental illness could affect your child and the signs to watch out for.

What Mental Health Conditions Affect Children?

Your child can develop the same mental health illness as adults. Children just express them in a different way. For instance, depressed children are usually more irritable compared to depressed adults, who often show loneliness and sadness.

Children may experience various mental health conditions such as:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Anxiety disorders
Eating disorders
Schizophrenia
Mood disorders

What Signs of Mental Illness Should I Watch out for in My Child?

The following are key signs that your child may need additional help mentally in life.

Mood swings: Watch out for feelings of withdrawal or sadness that can last for two weeks, or serious mood swings that may be causing problems in their relationships in school and at home.
Extreme feelings. You should be aware of overwhelming feelings, such as fear for no apparent reason. These signs include fast breathing, racing heart, or intense panic that may impede with their daily activities.
Behavioral changes: Your child may be showing drastic changes in their personality or behavior. Also, watch out for dangerous or uncontrollable behavior such as fighting with other kids, expressing a desire to hurt others, and using weapons.
Difficulty focusing: Children who have trouble sitting still or concentrating should be looked after carefully because these symptoms can impact their school performance.
Physical symptoms: Unlike adults, children with a mental illness may experience stomachaches or headaches, instead of overt anxiety or sadness.
Inexplicable weight loss: Frequent vomiting, sudden loss of appetite, or using laxatives may indicate that your child has an eating disorder.
Self-harm: Sometimes, children with mental illness inflict harm on themselves. This act of self-harm could be burning or cutting themselves. In worse cases, they may develop suicidal thoughts, or make an attempt.
Substance abuse: Some children consume alcohol or drugs as a means to cope with their feelings. Seek mental help if your child begins to do this.
Bullying other kids: Some children tend to bully or hit other children as a means to defend themselves, fight their anxieties, release aggression, or more. An excessive aggression to another child should be a concern to you.

Identify the Problem Quickly and Seek Help

Identifying mental illness is not the same with adults. Now that you are aware of the key signs that your child may need mental help, consult Psychologist Southern Sydney to know how to manage the symptoms and treat your child.

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Janice Killey has a wealth of experience and training. She holds a Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Master of Arts (Counselling), Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ASH) and is a Registered Psychologist at Psychologists Southern Sydney. She’s also a member of the Australian Psychological Society.[/su_box]