Mental Health and Your Child

October 2, 2024

Just a temper tantrum? Only teenage angst? It can be hard to tell if your child’s behavior is normal growing pains or something bigger. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)*, here are some warning signs that may warrant a talk with your child’s doctor:

Warning signs in younger children:

• Frequent outbursts or in a very bad mood much of the time.
• Being scared or worried about something often.
• Complaining about frequent stomachaches or headaches with no known medical cause.
• Constantly moving or fidgeting, and unable to sit quietly, unless they are watching videos or playing video games.
• Sleeping too much or too little, having frequent nightmares, or seeming sleepy during the day.
• Not interested in playing with other children or having trouble making friends.
• Struggling in school or bringing home lower grades.
• Repeating actions or checking things many times — for example, repeatedly checking that a door is locked — out of fear that something bad may happen.

Warning signs in older children and adolescents:

• Losing interest in things they used to enjoy.
• Having low energy.
• Sleeping too much or too little, or being sleepy during the day.
• Having periods of intense energy and activity and sleeping less than usual.
• Spending more time alone and avoiding social activities with friends or family.
• Dieting or exercising excessively, or being scared of gaining weight.
• Hurting themselves, such as cutting or burning their skin.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Taking part in risky or destructive behavior alone or with friends.
• Thinking about suicide.
• Saying they think someone is trying to control their mind or they hear things that other people cannot hear.

Mental illness can be treated. If you need help talking to your child or teen about mental health, ask your child's doctor or visit the NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses** webpage.

_{*NIMH is an independent organization that offers health information you may find helpful.} 

_{**This link leads to a third-party website. This organization is solely responsible for the privacy policies and contents on its site.}