Every parent loves their child. We want them to be happy, to thrive, and to grow to be well functioning adults. But what if you notices behaviors in your child that concern you? What are signs that your child may be struggling with a developmental issue or experiencing emotional difficulties?
What may be symptoms of possible mental illness? I’ve compiled this list of indicators, that if persistent over an extended period of time (or if others involved in the child's life are concerned), suggest that you consider seeking a consultation with a trained mental health professional.
Younger Children
- Marked fall in school performance
- Poor grades in school despite trying very hard
- Severe worry or anxiety (as shown by regular refusal to go to school, go to sleep or take part in activities that are normal for the child's age)
- Frequent physical complaints
- Hyperactivity; fidgeting; constant movement beyond regular playing with or without difficulty paying attention
- Persistent nightmares
- Persistent disobedience or aggression (longer than 6 months) and provocative opposition to authority figures
- Frequent, unexplainable temper tantrums
- Threatens to harm or kill oneself
Pre-adolescents and adolescents
- Marked decline in school performance
- Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
- Marked changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Extreme difficulties in concentrating that get in the way at school or at home
- Sexually acting out
- Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death
- Severe mood swings
- Strong worries or anxieties that get in the way of daily life, such as at school or socializing
- Repeated use of alcohol and/or drugs
- Intense fear of becoming obese with no relationship to actual body weight, excessive dieting, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight
- Persistent nightmares
- Threats of self-harm or harm to others
- Self-injury or self destructive behavior
- Frequent outbursts of anger, aggression
- Repeated threats to run away
- Aggressive or non-aggressive consistent violation of rights of others; opposition to authority, truancy, thefts, or vandalism
- Strange thoughts, beliefs, feelings, or unusual behaviors
