Being Mindful of Your Child's Mental Health

According to the American Psychological Association, The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new mental health challenges among American
youth, leading the U.S. Surgeon General to declare a youth mental health crisis in 2022. However, these issues existed before the pandemic.
(Abrams, Z., 2023). Children facing mental health challenges often struggle with social, behavioral, and learning skills. It's crucial to recognize how your child's mental health may impact other areas of their life.

Being Mindful of Your Child's Mental Health


 

Translated To:

 
Common Mental Health Disorders in Youth:
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression and other mood disorders
  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  • Conduct or behavioral disorders
  • Eating disorders
Warning Signs in Younger Children:
  • Frequent tantrums
  • Trouble making friends
  • Frequent complaints of physical issues (i.e. headaches, stomach aches, etc.)
  • Sudden poor academic performance
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Voicing constant fears or worries
  • Frequent nightmares/night terrors
  • Sudden behavioral issues
  • Personality changes
Warning Signs in Older Children/Teens:
  • Loss of interest in hobbies
  • Withdrawing from family/friends
  • Risk-taking behaviors (e.g., substance use, sexual activity)
  • Self-harm (e.g., cutting, disordered eating)
  • Suicidal thoughts or statements
  • Declining academic performance
  • Feeling "out of control" of mind or body
  • Extreme mood swings
What Can You Do to Help Your Child?
  • Talk to your child's pediatrician 
  • Get a mental health referral
  • Connect with other families
  • Collaborate with your child's school's mental health providers
What is a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis involves extreme emotions like panic attacks, suicidal or violent thoughts, and episodes of psychosis (e.g., hallucinations).

24 Hour Crisis Lines:
  • National Suicide Hotline: Dial 988
  • National Youth Crisis Hotline: Dial 800-422-HOPE (4673)
In Case of Emergency:
If you believe your child is a danger to themselves or others, call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency room for a mental health evaluation.

References:
Abrams, Z. (2023, January 1). Kids’ mental health is in crisis. here’s what psychologists are doing to help. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/01/trends-improving-youthmental-health
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2016, September 21). Mental health facts - NAMI. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMIMedia/Infographics/Children-MH-Facts-NAMI.pdf
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, March). Child and Adolescent Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescentmental-health

Providing tools and tips to improve family-school relationships.