Mental Disorders in Children: 6 Signs Your Child May Need Help

Childhood is a precious time. Children play, make friends, and absorb knowledge in everything they do. It is a moment in a parent’s life that they will look back and wish their children were that age again. But for some, childhood brings the emergence of mental disorders. Many mental conditions display signs in the teenage years or as early as grade school age.

Signs That Your Child Might Need Help

Kids display signs of mental disorders, although they may be subtle initially. These conditions affect emotional, mental, cognitive, and behavioral health. Not all children complain or can explain that they feel “off.”

Academic Problems Slipping grades, fights at school, problems with friends, and defiant behavior toward teachers and authority could be a sign of a mental condition. By eliminating other factors, such as bullying, your doctor can better pinpoint the root of the problem and determine an accurate diagnosis.

Behavioral Issues Fighting, hitting, arguing, isolating, and other behavioral issues could indicate that something isn’t right. If your child’s behavior escalates to the point that teachers and authorities need to step in or if your child withdraws from the world, a professional mental health assessment may be due.

Appetite Changes Appetite changes can be subtle. You may not notice if your child is eating too little or too much for a while, especially in a busy household. Take note of your child’s appearance. Do they seem to be rapidly gaining or losing weight?

Watch them at mealtimes and observe if they are snacking excessively. Childhood and the teenage years are particularly prone to developing eating disorders, which can also coexist with other mental health conditions.

Sleep Changes Your child may not express any sleep issues, so you may need to observe their physical appearance and behavior. Many mental disorders can cause children to sleep too much, wake up repeatedly during the night, have trouble falling asleep, experience nightmares, or, in some cases, night terrors.

Mood Swings Mood swings, anger, and irritability are associated with the rise and fall of hormones in the preteen and teenage years. However, if your child’s emotions seem more intense or if they are younger, consult with your pediatrician or a mental health professional, such as a counselor.

Children may not be able to articulate an underlying reason for their outbursts. A counselor can help them express their emotions and thoughts through music, art, or play therapy.

Loss of Interest in Things They Enjoy Children can lose interest in hobbies, sports, games, and other things while struggling with a mental condition. They may feel as if they could take it or leave it.

They may withdraw from their friends and stay in their room or bed more often. They may limit their social interaction to online or through their phone. Frequently, this is a major sign of depression or trauma.

As frustrating as mental disorders in children can be, keep the dialogue open. Actively listen to your child, ask them questions, and let them know that you are willing to get them help if needed. Children with a mental condition may feel isolated, especially if they are labeled as troublemakers in school or clash with siblings. They may think that they are not living up to your expectations. Give them stability, security, and grace in this season.

Mental Disorders in Children

There are various mental disorders in children, and many of them have overlapping symptoms. A professional mental health provider should diagnose all conditions when it comes to your children. Some of what a child experiences is normal, but if their behavior or emotional state lasts for more than two weeks, consult your pediatrician or counselor.

Mental disorders are sorted into categories: anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, depression, trauma disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Your child’s symptoms may fall into a category, but they may not experience every symptom or the same severity as others. Treatment should be tailored to your child, encompassing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety disorder leaves a child feeling anxious to the point that it interferes with their daily activities and concentration. There may not be a trigger, just an underlying anxiousness that children cannot put into words. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop with intrusive thoughts and impulses to act. These OCD rituals interfere with daily life.

Separation anxiety is triggered by the child being away from a parent or loved one. It is a regular part of growing up. Still, when it becomes excessive or the child experiences nightmares or is unable to participate with others due to fear, they may have developed separation anxiety disorder. Social anxiety is another disorder that makes it difficult for children to step out of their comfort zone. Fear grips them in any social event, possibly causing panic attacks.

Behavioral Disorders

Behavioral disorders cause issues in a child’s daily life and interactions with others. The child has problems with impulse control, defiant attitude, and disorderly conduct. They may throw things, hit things and other people, and scream. They may not be able to sit still and may always feel restless. Sometimes, with behavioral disorders, they may have trouble focusing on tasks or become forgetful.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are two common behavioral disorders. Impulse control is an issue for children as the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain responsible for regulating behavior, is not fully developed at this age. Children have also not mastered regulating their emotions and can lose control easily.

Depression

Depression is the persistent sadness that children may feel for more than two weeks. This mental condition can affect their sleep and appetite, and they are more likely to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression can be harder to diagnose in children, as most people believe that only adults and teens are susceptible.

Take special note of your child’s behavior. Depression can also lead to self-harm and suicidal ideation. If your child is hurting themselves or has suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.

Trauma Disorders

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a trauma disorder that can exhibit symptoms from other mental conditions. PTSD can occur after short-term or long-term trauma. For example, a child who witnessed a natural disaster or lost their home due to fire or flood may develop PTSD. Equally, a child living in a home with a terminally sick loved one may develop PTSD.

The signs of PTSD in children include nightmares or physical reactions when reminded of the event. They become anxious, depressed, have trouble sleeping, complain of headaches and body aches, and may have panic attacks. PTSD can follow them into adulthood.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions affecting the brain’s development. This can also include conditions surrounding the impairment of the nervous system. Tourette’s Syndrome is an example of a neurodevelopmental disorder that creates tics and involuntary vocalizations.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy are two more examples. Children with autism struggle to communicate and interact with others. Autism features a broad spectrum, and not all children experience the same symptoms or severity of the disorder. Cerebral Palsy affects the child’s physical movements, posture, and cognitive function. Some children are confined to a wheelchair, while others may need light support with a cane or walker.

Christian Counseling for Mental Disorders in Children

Christian counseling can help with mental disorders in children. Psychological techniques address the underlying causes and teach children critical skills to manage symptoms. They learn how to control impulses, reduce anxiety, challenge negative thoughts and limiting beliefs, resolve conflicts, and manage anger. At our center, your counselor will also blend science with faith-based principles, helping your child grow closer to Christ.

The thought of mental disorders in children can be unsettling, but we can help your child through the obstacles. Contact our office today to get started.