Perhaps a teacher or coach mentions it, or you notice it yourself: Something is off with your child. They may seem anxious or withdrawn, or have trouble sitting. You begin to worry about your child’s mental health and aren’t sure what to do.
You aren’t alone. An estimated 20% of children ages 3 to 17 have one or more mental, emotional, or behavioral health concerns, according to a National Institutes of Health study. During the past 10 years, there’s been an uptick in the number of teens and children suffering from mental illnesses.
Understanding the Issue
The most common diagnoses in children 12 and under are attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, behavior problems, and depression. For teens, anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, and suicide are top concerns. Some conditions, such as anxiety and depression, frequently go together.
As a new school year begins, now is a good time to check in on your child’s mental health. Parents and caregivers can watch for several signs. Common ones include:
- Overactivity or difficulty paying attention
- Anxiety, worry, or fear
- Sadness
- Extreme anger or aggression
- Sudden mood changes
- Withdrawal from friends and family and/or lack of interest to participate in activities
- Changes in academic performance
“Parents know their children best and may recognize the difficulties they’re having,” says Jennifer Reichardt, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Darboy. “Multiple factors can lead to a mental health issue, and most are out of a child’s control. It’s important to not blame a child for their condition or make them feel bad about it. Doing so may cause the child to feel worse or hide what they’re truly feeling.”
Getting Help
If you suspect your child may have a mental health problem, reach out to your child’s primary care provider to discuss your concerns. Begin by mentioning the symptoms you have noticed. If the child is old enough, they can also describe how they’re feeling.
Mental health screenings are part of kids’ routine wellness exams. These tools can also help uncover underlying issues.
The provider will perform an exam to rule out any physical problems and talk to your child to help determine next steps. The sooner a child is diagnosed, the sooner they can begin treatment and start feeling better.
“Talking to your child’s primary care provider is a great first step,” Reichardt says. “We can provide referrals and resources to help your child get the help they need.”
ThedaCare refers many children to Catalpa Health, a pediatric outpatient mental health and wellness organization. It has clinics in Appleton and Oshkosh and offers onsite mental health services at more than 30 schools in and around the Fox Valley. For more information, talk to your child’s provider or call (920) 750-7000.
Stopping Stigma
Mental health is a critical part of a child’s overall health. Parents should address concerns in the same way they would a physical problem.
“Some parents may worry about the stigma of seeking help for their child’s mental illness, but it’s essential they receive help so they can begin to feel better,” Reichardt says. “Not treating a mental illness will cause it to worsen, leading to bigger problems.”
Common treatments for mental health issues include therapy, medication, or a mix of both. Have an open conversation with your child’s medical provider to determine the best options.
Promoting Mental Wellness
Just as you ensure your child gets physical activity and eats a balanced diet to stay physically healthy, you can also take steps to improve their mental health. Here are some ways:
- Show unconditional love and acceptance. Children should know your love does not depend on how they perform on a sports field or what grade they receive on a test. Knowing they are loved no matter what provides a great base for a child’s mental health.
- Nurture self-esteem and confidence. Praise kids for their efforts in trying something new, and be attentive to what they’re doing. Help your child set realistic goals for themselves, and encourage them. For example, do not focus on your child’s team losing a game, but rather talk about the fun they had with teammates or the new skills they learned.
- Avoid sarcasm and negativity. Most children’s brains are not developed enough to understand sarcastic remarks. Instead, offer your child assurance and listen to what they have to say about concerns such as poor grades.
Social Media Concerns
Experts have long raised concerns about the effect of social media on kids’ mental health. The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory on the issue.
Follow these general guidelines to safeguard kids’ mental health:
- Children under the age of 12 should not be on any social media platforms.
- If your child does use social media, discuss what they’re doing, and monitor how much time they spend on it. Social media can be good for connecting teens with others who have similar interests or for setting up gatherings with friends. However, it can also be harmful by making teens think they need to look or act a certain way.
- Set a good example by limiting your own usage and focusing instead on in-person conversations.
When it comes to any mental health concern, remember that your child’s provider is always there to partner with you in caring for their needs.
“The most important step you can take to help your child with their mental health illness is to take it seriously and help them get the help they need so they can begin the healing process,” Reichardt says.
