The Signs your Child Needs Mental Health Treatment

Identifying a mental illness in children can be very difficult for parents as some of the symptoms are not as prevalent during childhood.

As parents, the last thing you want to see is your child suffering from something they can not control and it’s important to look out for common warning signs for mental illness. Children may lack self-awareness and they are not fully developed to express their feelings. Children can experience a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders to name a few. Sadly, the symptoms can get worse as they get older. Recognizing that your child needs treatment early on will be crucial for their growth and development. Our mental health facility in Boca Raton explains the signs that your child needs mental health treatment right away.

If you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing and the state of their mental health, look out for these warning signs:

• Frequent Mood Swings- Look for any signs of sadness or extreme mood changes in your child. Depression can occur at an early age and it’s important to catch this sooner rather than later.
• Problems at School or Relationship Issues- Are there any behavioral issues happening at school that you feel have come out of nowhere? Is your child detached from close friends and not wanting to socialize anymore?
• Unexplained Weight Loss- This could be a major sign of an eating disorder and it’s important to talk to your child about their self-image and any concerns they may have. Are they eating less?
• Physical Symptoms- Children deal with mental illness differently than adults and if there are frequent stomachaches or headaches this could be the early onset of a mental illness.

Any drastic changes in your child’s behavior and mood can point to their mental health and in today’s society, it’s so important to tackle this issue head on instead of thinking that they will grow out of it. Contact Banyan Mental Health today to learn more about getting a mental health diagnosis and how we can help treat any mental illness.