Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children: Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Concerned about your child’s mental health? The providers at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS share common signs to look out for.

Mood Swings

Children and teens go through various mood changes. Young children can be irritable when tired and hungry. Preteens and teenagers go through hormonal shifts that they don’t know how to navigate. Therefore, mood swings aren’t uncommon. However, they are a sign to keep an eye on and discuss with a specialist if they seem intense or triggered by certain things.

Sudden Fear

Everyone deals with fears from time to time – some for their whole lives. However, if your child suddenly has fears of things they didn’t before or their fear is debilitating, it’s something to be addressed.

Not Doing Well In School

Your child won’t like every subject and may struggle in various areas of learning. If, however, they are suddenly having a hard time concentrating, failing in subjects they once loved, or going from doing really well to really poorly overall, it could be a sign of a mental health issue or a learning disability. The providers at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS can provide a proper diagnosis.

Withdrawing From Others and Activities

Again, children and teens go through changes in their moods, which can impact their interest in being social or make them want to change activities. These things could also potentially signify an issue.

Aggressive Behavior

If your child gets into a lot of fights, starts arguments with friends or siblings, or becomes blatantly disobedient or out of control, there is likely an underlying issue. This is especially true if these behaviors are new.

Changes in Appetite or Obsession With Losing Weight

If your child is eating much more or much less than usual, it could be normal, or it could be a symptom of depression. If you notice that they aren’t eating at all, throwing up what they eat, or going to extremes to lose weight, it’s important to seek help.

Drug or Alcohol Use

It’s not unusual for kids and teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol, and it’s never too soon to put a stop to it. However, repetitive use is a sign that something isn’t quite right.

As many of the symptoms above can be normal or signs of a mental health concern, it’s important to visit the providers at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS for a diagnosis. You can schedule an appointment by calling (601) 384-1646 and (601) 587-4304.