For parents, the health of their children is a top priority. Often, though, the focus falls mainly on kids’ physical health—and their emotional health gets overlooked.
One big reason for this is that mental health in general just is not talked about as much as physical health. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty about how to address mental health issues in children. That leaves a lot of kids (and adults) without the help they need.
Many kids struggle with emotional health
Kids’ emotional health affects how they deal with stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one in five children had a mental health disorder. Only 20% of those kids, though, received care from a mental health provider.
Warning signs
How do you know if your child may be struggling with an emotional health issue? Watch for:
- A decline in school performance
- Regular worry or anxiety
- Ongoing refusal to go to school or take part in normal activities
- Difficulty sleeping
- Persistent disobedience or aggression
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Depression, sadness, or irritability
- Doing or talking about self-harm
What you can do
If you are concerned about your child’s emotional health, start by talking with their pediatrician or family doctor. From there, you and the provider (and possibly also your child, depending on their age) can work together as a team to determine the best course of action.
SOURCES
- https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-childrens-mental-health
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577
- Lockwell Hub powered by Navigate Wellbeing Solutions