Sometimes recognizing mental health issues in kids and teens can be easy, and sometimes not. Is your child showing one or more of the warning signs on the list below? If so, finding them a caring, professional counselor could make a world of difference. Note: this list is not an official mental health screening tool. It is simply designed to help parents and caregivers reflect on the state of their child’s mental health.
Emotional and Behavioral Concerns
Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that can impact daily activities. Children may avoid certain situations or feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks.
Low Mood and Sadness
Extended periods of feeling sad, unmotivated, or disinterested in activities they once enjoyed. This can affect their energy, sleep, and social interactions.
Attention and Focus Difficulties
Trouble staying on task, being easily distracted, impulsive actions, and difficulty following through with instructions or completing schoolwork.
Learning Challenges
Struggles in specific academic areas like reading, writing, or math, leading to frustration and a negative impact on self-esteem and school performance.
Challenging and Defiant Behavior
Persistent arguing, refusing to follow rules, or frequently losing temper, often in response to perceived criticism or authority.
Mood and Emotional Regulation Concerns
Irritability and Emotional Outbursts
Frequent temper outbursts, irritability, and frustration that seem excessive compared to the situation, often impacting relationships with family and friends.
Mood Swings
Shifts between periods of high energy, impulsivity, and low moods, which can affect how they interact with others and manage daily responsibilities.
Aggressive or Risky Behavior
Acting out in harmful ways, such as fighting, stealing, or breaking rules, that can disrupt relationships and school performance.
Intrusive Thoughts and Repetitive Behaviors
Frequent, unwanted thoughts or urges that can cause stress and repetitive actions or rituals that a child feels compelled to perform.
Confusion or Unusual Thoughts
Experiencing thoughts, beliefs, or perceptions that seem disconnected from reality, affecting their understanding of what’s real.
Stress, Trauma, and Identity Issues
Responses to Trauma and Grief
Difficulty coping after experiencing stressful or frightening events, changes, transitions, and loss.
Sexual Health Concerns
Confusion or anxiety around sexual development, changes in the body, and questions about sexual health. This can include uncertainty about what is normal and feelings of discomfort or distress related to these changes.
Stress Related to Gender and Sexual Identity
Feelings of uncertainty or conflict about gender identity or sexual orientation. This can involve questioning one’s sense of self, navigating feelings of difference, and facing fears of acceptance from family or peers.
Physical and Social Concerns
Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Concerns with body image, food restriction, overeating, or obsessive thoughts about weight that can interfere with physical health.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Struggles with how they perceive their own body, which can lead to negative self-talk, avoidance of certain activities, and a deep impact on confidence and mental health.
Social Navigation Needs
Difficulty connecting with others, making friends, or communicating needs effectively. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness and affect relationships and confidence.
Difficulties with Attachment and Trust
Challenges forming or maintaining close relationships, which may stem from early experiences with caregivers or other disruptions in early life.
Serious Concerns Requiring Immediate Attention
Substance Use
Experimentation or regular use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with stress, emotions, or peer pressure.
Self-Harm
Engaging in behaviors like cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. This is often a sign of deeper emotional pain or distress.
Thoughts of Suicide
Expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about wanting to die, or showing behaviors that suggest they might be considering harming themselves. This is a serious sign that needs immediate attention and support.
When to Seek Help
These symptoms can vary widely depending on the child’s age, personality, and specific mental health condition. If you notice several of these signs persisting over time, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider who specializes in working with children and teens.Taking early steps can make a big difference in your child’s mental health and overall well-being. Contact us at Early Connections or check out our post on choosing the best mental health professional for your child.
