Is Your Child Struggling?
It is just as important for kids to take care of their minds as it is to take care of their bodies. Here is a simple breakdown of why mental health matters and what signs to look for.
Mental health is a big part of a child’s overall health. Many adults with mental health struggles actually started having symptoms when they were kids, but in many cases, no one noticed.
When Should You Get Help?
It can be hard to know if a child is just "going through a phase" or if something is wrong. You should talk to a doctor if a child's behavior:
Lasts for several weeks or months.
Makes it hard for them to get through the day at home or school.
Causes trouble with their friends or family.
Young children might need help if they:
Have frequent, intense temper tantrums.
Worry or feel scared very often.
Complain about stomachaches or headaches that don't have a physical cause.
Can’t sit still or are always "on the go."
Have trouble sleeping or have many nightmares.
Don't want to play with other kids.
Start doing poorly in school.
Do the same thing over and over (like checking locks) because they are afraid.
Older kids or teenagers might need help if they:
Stop caring about things they used to love.
Have very low energy or sleep all the time.
Have bursts of extreme energy and barely sleep.
Start spending all their time alone.
Obsess over weight, dieting, or exercising too much.
Hurt themselves on purpose (like cutting their skin).
Use drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes.
Take dangerous risks.
Talk about suicide.
Hear voices or feel like their mind is being controlled.
The sooner a child gets help, the better. Getting help early can stop small problems from becoming much bigger, more painful issues later in life.
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