5 Early Warning Signals Your Child Might Have Mental Health Problems

Sep 27, 2018

When you have a child, you just want them to be healthy and happy. Statistically, 10 to 20 percent of children and teenagers will experience mental health problems. Out of this number, about half of children will develop a disorder before the age of 14.

Mental disorders are easier to treat if they are noticed early. In addition, these conditions can negatively harm the child's life if they are left untreated. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that up to 20 percent of children currently have a mental disorder.

For children between the ages of 3 and 17, the most common disorders are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, autism or a behavioral disorder.

ADHD accounts for 6.9 percent of childhood disorders. Personality or behavioral disorders make up 3.5 percent of childhood mental health cases. While anxiety accounts for 3 percent of mental disorders, depression makes up 2.1 percent of cases. Autism makes up 1.1 percent of cases.

There are a few common signs that children and teenagers might have a mental disorder. By looking for these signs, you can help your child get the help they need right away.

Children are similar to adults in how they get aggravated about something. A child may become stressed out by problems at school or issues with their friends. When the aggravation and stress are temporary, it might not be anything to worry about.

If the aggravation does not go away, it could be a sign of a problem.

When a child has a mental disorder, they might make excuses to avoid school. The mental disorder can cause nervous issues that actually lead to physical problems like pain, stomachaches or headaches.

Children can also seem aggravated because of a problem with bullies. Over time, bullying can actually cause mental health problems, so it is important to pay attention to this risk factor.

A child is supposed to go to school, play with friends and have fun. Normally, children are relatively carefree. If your child starts demonstrating anxious behaviors, it could be a sign of a problem.

You might notice that your child worries more than normal. He or she may worry about things like sitting at the right table or being late.

These worries will not be proportional to the actual reality of the situation. If you notice that your child is always anxious, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Unfortunately, one out of five teenagers will experience at least one bout of depression. Parents can easily miss the signs of depression because their child may just seem a little quieter or more withdrawn than normal. Pay attention to their behavior. If your teenager does not seem to be acting like they normally do, they could be depressed.

Once you notice a change in behavior, pay attention to how long it lasts. If the child is withdrawn or depressed for more than a couple of weeks, it is time to take them to the doctor. They may also experience drastic changes in their sleep habits if they are suffering from depression.

While teenagers often experiment with new things, substance abuse is directly related to mental disorders. Like adults, teenagers may use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate for a mental illness.

Unfortunately, an estimated 70 percent of high school children have tried alcohol. Prescription drug addiction affects 20 percent of high school students. If the child has a mental disorder, they may try using drugs and alcohol to cope.

This can increase their chances of becoming ill or dying, so it is important to get help right away.

If a child has sudden performance problems at school, it could be a sign of a problem. Mental disorders often affect performance. The child could find it hard to concentrate at school. Their performance in writing, math, and reading could suddenly drop.

A child who has a mental disorder may be frequently absent or late to school. They may have ongoing disciplinary problems, repeat a grade level or lack self-esteem.

If you notice any of these signs, it could be an indication that your child needs help.

When you discover a mental health disorder early, it is easier to get the right services. Research shows that the right treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve the child's performance at school. Additionally, treatment will help the child to feel better and escape from their suffering.

Millions of children suffer from mental disorders, but many of these children do not get the treatment that they need. Raise awareness about this issue by telling all of your friends about the common signs of mental illness in children.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!