This post was written by Rachel Lilly, PhD, PPG - Psychiatry.
Parenting can be challenging and overwhelming. Not only is the day-to-day balance of schedules, meal preparation and organization a lot, but the bigger questions of who we are raising our children to become can feel daunting. Each developmental stage comes with its challenges (and certainly its joys), and knowing when these challenges require professional help can be difficult. What is “just a phase” and what might be indicative of mental health concerns? In this post, we dig into some of these concerns.
Kids experience a full range of emotions. Irritability, sadness and anxiety are part of being human beings, and usually these feelings are not concerning. But when these behaviors or emotions start impacting daily functioning (e.g., grades, enjoyment of life, appetite, sleep, etc.), there may be more indication for concern. Behavioral or mood difficulties that persist for weeks or longer should also be noted. If children express thoughts or gestures indicating hurting themselves or someone else, or if parents are concerned about their child’s behavior being unsafe, seek help immediately.
Younger children often don’t have the insight or emotional vocabulary to describe internal experiences. Parents should note if their children:
- Have frequent tantrums
- Are often worried or afraid
- Complain of physical symptoms (e.g., stomachaches) without apparent cause
- Are constantly moving
- Sleep too much or too little
- Do not interact with other children
- Repeatedly ask or check things to try to prevent bad things from happening
Parents of older children and teenagers should look for shifts in behaviors and mood. Some things to watch for include:
- Decreased interest in things they used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Social isolation or avoidance of social situations
- Dieting or fear of gaining weight
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Saying they hear things others cannot
Again, when in doubt, it doesn’t hurt to reach out for help. You know your child best, so if you notice anything of concern, you should speak to your pediatrician or family doctor.
Developmental and mental health screening tools can help these providers further assess whether presenting concerns are developmentally appropriate or not. From there, providers can help connect their patients with local resources for follow-up care.
Mental healthcare treatment options vary. Schools often offer prevention and social emotional learning curriculums, and parents can speak with guidance counselors or school psychologists about in-school options. Outpatient clinics and private practices also offer therapy services, although finding one that fits your child’s needs can be daunting. Finding an in-network provider by calling the number on your insurance card is a good place to start. From there, parents can use the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s list of therapy approaches to determine the best type of therapist to seek. Treatment options vary from individual to family therapy, behavioral intervention to psychoanalysis, and play-based to talk therapy.
If you have questions, the Parkview Behavioral Health Institute HelpLine is available 24/7. Call 260-471-9440 or toll free at 800-284-8439 for assistance.
