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As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your child may be struggling with their mental health.
If you’re seeing any of the following symptoms in your child, it’s worth reaching out to them first and seeking professional help after. In this post, we will outline some of the most common warning signs that your child may need help with. Stay on this page!
Signs of self-harm
If your child is harming themselves, it’s a clear indication that they’re feeling desperate and hopeless. If you notice any signs of self-harm, talk to your family doctor or contact a mental health professional right away. The sooner you get help, the faster your child can get back on track.
Changes in their eating habits
Do they seem to be eating more or less than usual? Are they picking at their food or gobbling it down? Are they eating the same things every day, or are they trying new foods? All of these things can be signs that something is going on. So if you’re seeing any changes in your child’s eating habits, see if they want to talk about what’s going on.
Having trouble sleeping and staying asleep
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Are your children having issues getting shuteye at night? Because if they are, that’s often a sign that something’s going on. Kids who are struggling with their mental health may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. If you’re noticing this kind of pattern, it’s worth bringing it up with your doctor.
Sudden and dramatic changes in mood or behavior
For example, if your child usually loves being around people, but they’ve suddenly become antisocial, this could be a sign that they’re struggling with their mental health. Or if your child is usually a happy, carefree person, but they’ve been presenting signs of withdrawal, this could be cause for concern.
If you’ve been noticing that your kid is retreating from activities they used to enjoy, this could be a signal that they’re having issues with their mental health too. Maybe they’re not as chatty as they used to be or they’ve been canceling plans a lot.
It’s not always easy to tell when your child is floundering with their innermost thoughts, but there are some indications you can look out for. If your child is having trouble eating, sleeping, or socializing, or if they’re exhibiting potentially harmful behaviors, it’s time to get them checked out by a professional. Mental health is just as significant as physical health, and we must never downplay any possible depressive symptoms that appear minor at first glance.
