Mental health: what’s on your child’s mind?
Common mental health problems in children include depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behaviors.
Help your child understand that mental health is a normal part of health by talking about it early and often.
You can help your child become comfortable talking about and caring for their mental health simply by asking them about their day or how their friends are doing. Those questions can lead to a deeper conversation.
"I'm a huge believer in family dinnertime," said Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., LP, HSP, licensed psychologist/neuropsychologist and clinic manager at Cook Children's. "When my kids were growing up, we would discuss at dinner three great things about their day and one way they helped someone else. Those discussions would lead to conversations about what was stressful or challenging. I could then ask and learn about their overall well-being."
Be a mental health booster
To support children's mental health, parents and caregivers can:
- Encourage exercising.
- Help children maintain routines for sleeping, doing homework and other activities.
- Limit screen time according to family rules.
- Set an example of self-care.
- Support in-person socializing with friends and helping others.
Help needed
A range of signs, including these, may indicate a child is dealing with a mental health problem:
- Avoiding friends or family.
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Frequent headaches or stomachaches.
- Outbursts or out-of-control behavior.
- Poor performance in school.
- Sadness or irritability that lasts longer than a few weeks.
- Self-harm.
- Talking about death or suicide.
If you spot a concerning symptom, don't let fear, guilt or embarrassment stop you from seeking help for your child. Typically, parenting style isn't responsible for a child's mental health problem.
Mental health disorders are like any other health issue, with genetic, physical function and environmental factors. These disorders are nothing to be ashamed of. Do parents feel embarrassed when their child has diabetes, asthma or other health issues? Most likely not. Mental health conditions should be no different.
Finding a solution
Your pediatrician can help identify whether your child is at risk for a mental health disorder. If they suspect a problem, they will refer your child to a psychiatrist, psychologist or another mental health provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Fortunately, medical providers have many options for treating mental health disorders in kids. These treatments include medications, talk therapy with family members and play therapy. With your support and the help of caring medical providers, your child can build a strong mental health foundation for the future.
Coping by creating
When children's feelings seem too big to handle, art can be a positive coping skill to help them feel manageable.
Art helps children express themselves when they can't find the words or feel uncomfortable saying their feelings out loud to others. Communicating feelings helps kids find relief and peace. By observing works of art, children gain awareness of the experiences and emotions of others and develop empathy.
Chew on this
Your child's mental health and the health of their teeth and gums are connected. Here's how:
- If your child has an intellectual or developmental delay, untreated oral health problems can lead to aggressive behavior.
- Living with a painful dental condition can reduce mental wellness.
- Oral health problems can affect your child's self-esteem and eating and speaking abilities.
- A healthy smile leads to more confidence and self-respect. Take your child for twice-yearly dental exams to help protect their mouth and mind.