Recognizing the Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues in Your Children

We’ve only recently moved mental health illness closer to the forefront of public discussion, and yet, there’s still so much we don’t know or talk about, especially where children and young adults are concerned. 

Our team of experts at Leading MDs knows that mental health issues can develop at any point, so we want all parents and caregivers to have their fingers on the pulse of adolescent mental health. 

This blog does not offer an exhaustive list of warning signs, but we do cover the most common so you can be more aware when observing and talking with your children. 

Understanding mental health issues

Mental health issues go by a few names. You might hear someone call them mental illness or mental health disorder, but all it really means is there’s something going on behind the scenes that significantly alters your thinking behaviors, social skills, and/or control over emotions. 

In children, mental health issues are incredibly distressing and directly impact how they act at home, in school, and other social settings. The most common disorders among children include the following:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Eating disorders
• Depression and other mood disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

We address these and more under our comprehensive behavioral health services. 

Recognizing the warning signs of mental health issues

Because childhood and adolescence are rife with change, it’s not always easy to pick out behaviors that are natural responses to growth and development and those connected to underlying mental health problems. 

Therefore, we encourage all parents and caregivers to be tuned into their children’s lives and behaviors so changes are more noticeable. 

You should bring your child in for evaluation if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Sadness that lasts two or more weeks
• Changes in being social or staying away from others
• Having outbursts or being very moody or testy
• Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful
• Significant changes in mood, behavior, or personality
• Changes in eating habits
• Loss of weight
• Trouble sleeping
• Getting headaches or stomach aches often
• Trouble concentrating
• Doing poorly in school
• Not going to school

Get your child emergency medical attention if they talk about hurting themselves or others. Suicidal ideation and actions are also cause for extreme concern and require immediate medical help. 

Getting help for your child with a mental health issue

If you have even a slight suspicion that your child is struggling with a mental health issue, don’t wait to get help. Our team of compassionate mental health professionals has years of experience handling delicate situations with children, teens, and young adults. 

We listen carefully as you and your child describe the behavioral changes and symptoms you’ve noticed. We combine that information with a medical exam, medical and family history review, and other pertinent health information to create an action plan for your family. 

Depending on your child’s needs, they may benefit from medication, therapy, or both. We also walk you through certain lifestyle changes that help regulate mood and improve overall health, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting more sleep.

It also helps if you and the other caregivers in your child’s life play an active role in their mental health journey. You might consider:

• Learning all you can about their specific disorder
• Family counseling session
• Enrolling in parent training programs
• Managing your own stress and mental health appropriately
• Working with your child's school to offer additional support
• Finding ways to relax and have fun with your child
• Joining them in their efforts to improve overall health

Finding out your child has a mental health issue is unsettling for every parent and caregiver. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle it on your own. 

If you’d like more information about our behavioral health services or you think your child needs mental health support, we’d love to talk with you. Call our friendly staff at any of our four locations. We proudly serve Goodyear, Tempe, Mesa, and Sun City, Arizona.