Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness in Children

Facts About Mental illness in Children

     Just like adults, many children or young people are at risk for mental health problems. Nearly 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental illness, and for some of these teens, the illness severely interferes with their day-to-day life.

According to a recent study from the American Psychological Association, children are less likely than adults to receive mental health care. Often children are expected to "grow up" from their emotional issues.

That means you as moms and dads shouldn't ignore the instinctive sense that your child's emotional health may also be at risk. Seek immediate help from a child psychologist if you suspect your child has symptoms of a mental illness such as depression. Children with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, may have other health or developmental conditions at the same time. Sometimes it also indicates a chronic health condition. . (cdc.gov)

Definition of Children's Mental Health

Mental health is mental health as a whole, which is seen in the way people think, regulate feelings, and behave. Mental illness is a pattern or change in a person's way of thinking, feeling, or behaving, that causes suffering, and interferes with a person's ability to behave like a normal human being.

For people with mental illness, their brains have been altered to such an extent that they are unable to think, feel, or act the way they would like. For some, this means going through unexpected and extreme emotional changes – such as feeling sad or worried more than usual. For others, it means not being able to think straight, and being unable to communicate with anyone.

Mental health problems in children are generally described as delays or disturbances in creating age-appropriate thinking, behavior, social skills, or emotional regulation. These problems irritate children and hinder their potential to function properly at home, school, or in other social activities.

Common Childhood Stress or Mental Illness?

The boys turned out to be very strong. With guidance, care, and love, children and young people can overcome these obstacles with great flexibility. We're particularly seeing this with the many pivots kids have had to take during the COVID-19 pandemic, including distance learning, social distancing, and having to live in the same area as their parents work.

However, there have been many cases where the bad times continued. Feelings of depression, anxiety, and helplessness can extend far beyond the conditions that cause them. As a parent, how do you know when your child's fears and sorrows signal something more than the subtleties of growing up?

This article will cover some of the most common childhood mental illnesses, early warning signs and symptoms to look out for, and resources you can use to help you and your child. Remember that you and your child are not alone, help is near and hope lies ahead.

Signs of a Mental illness

The following are some of the symptoms of mental health disorders in children and teenagers. If you notice any of these symptoms occurring in your child, and the symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it is important to speak with your child and seek professional help.

Many children and youth exhibit different moods, behaviors, and thoughts at times, which can be part of childhood development. This includes:

- often outbursts angry

- getting much lower grades at school

- acting or rebelling against authority

- avoiding friends and family

- often experiences emotional changes

- Changes in sleeping or eating habits

- consume and/or use drugs a lot

- not doing the things he used to like

- constantly worry

– lack of energy or motivation

- doesn't care about appearance

- obsessed with her weight

- feel so sad

- extended risk-taking behavior

A decline in Interest in Activities

Normal things to do as a child include: developing arts, playing with friends, building sand castles, and spending time with toy trucks and dolls. A scratched knee is expected, and reading skills should be improved. However, in children with mental illness, this activity and growth factor may decrease. Things like peer struggle and distance, spending more time isolated, and disinterest in the things they enjoy, are signs that a deeper struggle is at play.

What Can You Do As Parents?

Listen to your instincts if you're concerned about your teen and child. Collect as much information as you can. You may be in a good position to understand if your child's behavior warrants special attention. Arrange to discuss it with a trained, trusted professional.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between symptoms of mental illness and the common challenges all children experience from time to time. As a parent, you can use observable behavior to help decide what action to take:

- Talk to your child about your main issues

- Circle behaviors from the list that worry you (especially those that last a few weeks or more)

- Let your child understand that you will help them solve their problems together

- Listen to their responses without interruption if you can

Where to Find Help

Don't be afraid to call if you or anyone you know needs assistance. Learning all you can about mental health is the first necessary step. Contact your child's mental health professional, health insurance, primary care doctor, or state/county mental health authority for further assistance.