Know the Signs: Children’s Mental Health

Children suffer from mental health disorders much like adults do. However, the way the symptoms present in children can be harder to identify. According to the CDC, 1 in 6 American children ages 2-8 have been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. However, the behavior problems are more common in Elementary age children (ages 6-11) . As parents/guardians we must try to identify if the behaviors and emotions are something they will grow out of, or something they need more help with. 

Children need assistance with becoming emotionally aware and learning to regulate themselves as they are not born with these skills. If a child struggles with implementing coping skills that are taught, this may be a sign they need more help, like the help that can be provided by a licensed mental health therapist.

The CDC states the 3 most common mental health diagnoses for children ages 3-17 are ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD Include:

• Daydreaming
• Forget or lose things
• Fidgeting
• Talking too much
• Careless mistakes
• Trouble taking turns
• Difficulty getting along with others

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Include:

• Being afraid when away from parents
• Extreme fear of situations or things
• Worried about something bad happening
• Repeat episodes of unexpected intense fear

Signs and Symptoms of Depression Include:

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Not enjoying fun things (especially those they once enjoyed)
• Changes in sleep, eating, and energy patterns
• Hard time paying attention
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Self injury or self destructive behaviors

There are many different therapeutic options to assist children who suffer from mental health concerns such as play therapy,or cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases children are referred to a specialist such as a psychiatrist to evaluate further and see if medication would be appropriate. If you are concerned that your child may be showing signs of a mental health concern the first step is to reach out to your child’s school or an agency for a recommendation for services.

Written By: Sharyl Wanzek, LMSW
School-Based therapist

Because Life is All About Connections

Life Connections provides in-home Behavioral Health Intervention services, Therapy services, autism (ABA) services and Children’s Mental Health waiver services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.

Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues including Applied Behavior Analysis Services,  Behavioral Health Intervention Services, mental health therapy, school-based therapy programs, and substance use treatment.

For more information, please call 319-409-6922.

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255

• Crisis Text line text to 741741
• The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ young adult community 866-488-7386

• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network 800-656-4673