Recognizing Behavioral Health
Symptoms in Children

High hopes and big dreams are what most parents have for their children. Many parents are willing to pay the price and do anything for those dreams to come true. Despite great love and care, however, helping them attain their aspirations can become extremely difficult. This can be further complicated by physical and/or mental health concerns.

Unfortunately, medical conditions are generally given more attention than emotional conditions. Mental health is just as important as physical health; however, it is often overlooked. While this can be true, it doesn’t have to stay that way. If you are concerned about your child, know that help is available. Therapy can help. 

Why is it Difficult to See the Signs?

Many studies show that children, as young as infants and toddlers, can experience behavioral health conditions such as depression or anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Children can develop the same emotional health conditions as adults.” Unlike their adult counterparts, however, they “… are less likely to seek treatment…” says the American Psychiatric Association (APA). 

Children are not always able to effectively articulate their thoughts and emotions. They may not share with an adult how they are feeling or what is going on. They may not even understand themselves making it next to impossible to communicate. 

 Meanwhile, many parents are not prepared to recognize the signs and symptoms of the varied emotional conditions that may affect children. It can be easy to miss the signs and symptoms, especially because many can be nonspecific. 

To further complicate things, many behaviors that may be regarded as being part of development. This can lead to symptoms being minimized due to the assumption that children will “grow out” of behaviors. It can also be difficult to accept that your child may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness. 

Signs and Symptoms

Children can be affected by a number of emotional conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc.) and behavioral conditions (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, etc.). Individually, these conditions have characteristic symptoms that separate them from others. For example, chronic sad mood is the hallmark symptom of depression.  Children with ADHD are typically impulsive, hyperactive and inattentive while those with ODD are usually defiant and unruly.

It is helpful to be familiar with the various conditions and their defining or characteristic symptoms. Be aware, though, that there could be individual differences or nuances to these symptoms. The experts advise that it may be best to listen to your “gut feeling.” If you sense that something seems to be off or not quite right, seek professional help. Furthermore, because “major emotional conditions rarely appear ‘out of the blue,’” being alert is important.

Prompted by the need to help parents recognize the nonspecific signs and symptoms of the emotional conditions affecting children,  the Journal of Pediatrics, shares the following red flags:

  1. Feeling very sad or withdrawn for two or more weeks
  2. Seriously trying to harm oneself, thoughts of suicide or making plans to do so
  3. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
  4. Involved in multiple fights, using a weapon, or wanting to hurt others
  5. Severe, “out-of-control” behavior that can hurt self or others
  6. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight
  7. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
  8. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still that puts one in physical danger or causes decline in schoolwork
  9. Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
  10. Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  11. Drastic changes in behavior or personality

Other Red Flags to Watch

This isn’t the end of the challenges for the parents. Very young children may just respond with certain behaviors to stimuli because they do not understand them. They may also exhibit behavior that appears to be common, but which is a nuance of the symptoms that could denote a condition. One thing that you must not do is unnecessarily worry over behaviors or manifestations that may indicate a condition. On the other hand, it is vital not to ignore them altogether. The key is to be vigilant and to seek help right away from a good behavioral health professional.

If their speech or coordination development seems to lag compared to other children their age, or they appear to be excessively clingy, take note. While it could be typical, it may also indicate a condition, such as anxiety. Sudden introversion can be a symptom of depression while frequent defiance may indicate an impulse control disorder. 

Lastly, clumsiness may also indicate something more. Follow your gut if something seems off. With the help of a child therapist, you can gain a better understanding about your child’s development and address your concerns.

Counseling for Your Child’s Unique Needs

Like grownups, children can face life’s difficulties in many ways. Emotional conditions can impact their overall health and disrupt their development, impacting their abilities to reach their goals. Sadly, they cannot or will not always tell you when they are struggling. Symptoms can also be difficult to identify.

As your child’s best advocate, it is important that you are aware of warning signs to look out for. This can be challenging for many parents. Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC can help. 

Therapy can help your child navigate difficult emotions and find remission from intrusive symptoms. CCS contracts with knowledgeable child therapists who can address and treat your child’s unique symptoms. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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