Even if you can notice the red flags, it is difficult to distinguish between warning signs of trouble and normal childhood behaviour.
It is usually upon the adults in children’s life to identify any sign of a problem in the children’s life. One might reason that all children display these signs at some point in their life and not all of them suffer through mental illness. Yes, but they might be facing some issue and these signs can be a direct indicator of what is going on in their lives. So, it is vital to pay attention to these signs.
Mood changes
Children do not have a complete understanding and control of their emotions. Mood changes are one of the earliest presenting warning signs of trouble. Look for feelings of sadness and withdrawal for over at least 2 weeks or extreme mood swings that cause problems at home or school.
Intense feelings
Mental issues can manifest in the form of intense feelings. The child might have intense fear or seem to overthink and worry that interfere with daily activities.
Unexplained weight loss/ gain
A sudden loss or gain in appetite and weight can be an indicator of mood disorders. Whereas, unexplained weight loss, frequent vomit or use of laxative might indicate an eating disorder.
Difficulty concentrating
Look for signs if there is trouble concentrating and sitting still. These signs can be identified easily as they might lead to poor performance in school.
Physical symptoms
Children manifest physical symptoms of mental issues more than adults. Pay attention to symptoms like frequent headaches, stomach aches, loss of energy which might indicate anxiety or mood disorders.
Physical harm
Sometimes a mental health condition can lead to self-injury or self-harm. Be attentive to any unexplained injury like cuts or burns. Children with mental health issues might also develop suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
Behavioural changes
Problematic behaviour, personality changes or getting involved in dangerous situations and out of control behaviour are some of the warning signs.
Substance abuse
Many times, when a child is unable to cope with their feelings, they might move towards the use of a substance. Children might also pick up substance use due to peer pressure or bullying. Pay attention to the child’s surrounding and friendships.
If you seem to notice the warning signs, your child might be going through some issues. Consult an experienced psychologist to get a clearer picture of the issue and cope with the problem effectively.
To learn more about Dr Prerna Kohli click here
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