Children are no less expressive than adults, yet their way of communicating their troubles and challenges may differ. At times, they may lack the vocabulary to talk about how they are feeling. There may be subtle signs of the discomfort they are going through in the form of sudden changes in their behaviour like irritability, not doing their favourite things, problems concentrating, meltdowns or even physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches. (Also read: How strict parenting can negatively impact children? Experts share insights)
Parents need to stay connected to their children’s inner lives and not dismiss obvious signs of mental health problems as “tantrums.” One should allot time to talk to their child and give them space to express their feelings and sensitivities openly at any time.
“Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, while some signs of mental health problems in children may be obvious, others may be subtle and easily overlooked. Spot these hidden signs to provide timely support and intervention. Early recognition is essential. Being proactive in recognizing and addressing hidden signs of deteriorating mental health in children is important to boost their well-being and resilience,” says Neeraj Kumar, emotional well-being coach and founder of PeakMind.
Hidden signs of your child’s declining mental health
Kumar elaborates on five hidden signs of your child’s deteriorating mental health and immediate steps to take:
1. Change in behaviour: Keep an eye out for sudden changes in your child’s behavior, such as increasing irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities. These changes may indicate underlying emotional distress or mental health concerns. Start open and non-judgmental conversations with your child to understand his or her feelings and experiences. Encourage them to express themselves freely and seek professional help from a therapist or counselor if necessary.
2. Difficulty Concentrating: Notice if your child struggles to focus or concentrate on tasks they previously managed well. Persistent difficulty concentrating may be a sign of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. To address this, create a supportive environment for your child by minimising distractions and providing structured routines. Encourage breaks and relaxation techniques to help manage stress and improve concentration.
3. Change in sleep pattern: Pay attention to any significant changes in your child’s sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or excessive sleeping. Disrupted sleep may indicate underlying emotional turmoil or anxiety. Establish a regular bedtime routine and create a comfortable sleep environment for your child. Encourage relaxation activities before bed and limit screen time to promote better sleep hygiene. If sleep problems persist, consult a health care professional for further evaluation.
4. Physical Symptoms: Be alert for any unexplained physical symptoms or complaints, such as headache, stomach pain or fatigue. Although these symptoms can have a variety of causes, they can also be a manifestation of underlying mental health problems. Schedule a thorough medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Additionally, validate your child’s experiences and feelings, reassuring them that it’s OK to seek help for mental health concerns.
5. Changes in Academic Performance: Monitor your child’s academic performance for sudden declines or changes in motivation and engagement. Poor academic performance may be a sign of underlying stress, anxiety, or depression. Communicate with your child’s teachers to gain information about their academic challenges and receive additional support or resources as needed.
