An informed parent is a child’s best advocate. Understanding the signs of mental health struggles early can make all the difference in helping them grow into resilient, healthy adults.

Understanding Mental Health in Children: Early Signs and How to Help

Children and adolescents can experience the same mental health conditions as adults, but their symptoms often appear differently. Being able to recognise these signs early can make an important difference in getting the right help for your child.

Unfortunately, mental health issues in children can be difficult for parents and carers to spot, meaning many children who could benefit from treatment may not receive the care they need.

This blog will help you understand the signs of mental health struggles in children and how to support them on their journey toward better mental health.

What is a Mental Illness or Mental Health Disorder?

Mental health refers to the overall wellness of how we think, manage emotions, and behave. A mental illness, also known as a mental health disorder, involves patterns or changes in thinking, feeling, or behaving that cause distress and interfere with daily life.

In children, mental health conditions are often defined by delays or changes in thinking, behaviour, social skills, or emotional regulation. These changes can cause significant distress and disrupt their ability to function at home, in school, or in social settings.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Children

Some of the most common mental health disorders in children include:

• Anxiety Disorders: Children with anxiety disorders experience intense and uncontrollable fears or worries, often affecting their ability to participate in school, play, or social activities. This includes conditions such as social anxiety, generalised anxiety (GAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD may struggle with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity, impacting their ability to focus and function in school and other activities.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is a neurological condition that affects communication and social skills. Its severity varies, but early intervention can help improve outcomes.

• Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder involve unhealthy behaviours and thoughts around food, body image, and weight. These disorders can have serious emotional and physical consequences.

• Depression and Mood Disorders: Depression involves prolonged sadness, irritability, or disinterest in activities. Bipolar disorder causes dramatic shifts between depressive and high-energy, risky behaviours.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after exposure to trauma, causing lasting emotional distress, flashbacks, and behavioural changes.

• Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects thoughts, perceptions, and behaviour. Though it typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood, early signs may appear in the teen years.

A few stats about Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the UK

There has been a growing amount of mental health problems seen worldwide. The UK statistics can be found very clearly at the Mental Health Foundation website. They underscore the importance of early intervention and accessible treatment options like My Therapist Online (MTO).

• According to a 2020 study by NHS Digital, one in six children aged 5 to 16 years in the UK was identified as having a probable mental health disorder. This is an increase from one in nine in 2017.

  NHS Digital, Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2020

• 50% of Mental Health Problems Are Established by Age 14:

  50% of mental health problems are established by age 14, and 75% by age 24, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention.

  Mental Health Foundation, based on research by Kessler et al., 2005

Early Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Children and Adolescents

Recognising early warning signs is key to getting your child the help they need. Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Changes in Mood

• Irritability or Anger: Frequent outbursts or irritability could indicate underlying emotional distress.

• Sadness or Withdrawal: Persistent sadness or withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy may suggest depression or anxiety.

• Mood Swings: Sudden shifts between emotional highs and lows can signal emotional instability.

2. Behavioural Changes

• Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends or family and isolating themselves could be a sign of emotional struggles.

• Risk-Taking Behaviours: Engaging in risky or defiant behaviour may be a coping mechanism for emotional pain.

• Aggression: An increase in aggression or defiance can be a sign of stress or frustration.

3. Changes in Academic Performance

• Declining Grades: Struggling with focus, schoolwork, or experiencing a drop in academic performance can point to anxiety, depression, or ADHD.

• School Avoidance: Skipping classes or frequently asking to stay home from school may be tied to emotional or social difficulties.

4. Sleep Disturbances

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep can be linked to anxiety or depression.

• Oversleeping: Excessive sleep or constant fatigue could also be a sign of emotional distress.

5. Changes in Eating Habits

• Loss of Appetite: A sudden decrease in appetite or weight loss may indicate anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder.

• Overeating: Emotional eating or weight gain can also signal stress.

6. Physical Symptoms without Medical Cause

• Frequent Headaches or Stomachaches: Frequent unexplained headaches or stomachaches in children and adolescents can be a sign of underlying emotional distress, such as anxiety or stress. These physical symptoms often occur when the child is unable to express their emotions verbally, and instead, their body manifests the emotional turmoil through discomfort or pain.

• Headaches may arise due to muscle tension or prolonged stress, while stomachaches can be linked to the gut-brain connection, where stress hormones affect digestion.

• If these physical complaints persist despite no medical diagnosis, it may indicate that the child is internalising their anxiety, making it important to explore possible emotional or psychological causes.

7. Self-Harm or Talk of Suicide

• Self-Injury: Behaviours like cutting or burning are serious signs of emotional pain and require immediate attention.

• Suicidal Thoughts: Statements of hopelessness or talk of death should always be taken seriously.

8. Sensitivity to Criticism

• Overreaction to Rejection: Being overly upset by criticism or rejection could indicate self-esteem issues or anxiety.

9. Inability to Focus

• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or making decisions may signal emotional overwhelm.

10. Substance Use

• Alcohol or Drug Use: Experimentation with substances may be a way of coping with mental health struggles.

How My Therapist Online (MTO) Can Help

Recognising these signs is only the first step. At My Therapist Online (MTO), we offer specialised child and adolescent therapists who can assess and guide families remotely, ensuring professional support is easily accessible from the comfort of home.

Our experienced therapists work with young people to address a wide range of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. Through online therapy sessions, we provide a safe, flexible environment where children and adolescents can explore their thoughts and emotions, learn coping strategies, and build resilience.

The Role of Self-Help and Resources

In addition to therapy, self-help tools are essential in supporting your child’s mental health journey. In our blog, we provide a carefully curated book list with recommended titles for both parents and children (you can find this list below the My Therapist Online Banner at the bottom of this article). These books cover topics like managing anxiety, building emotional resilience, and fostering healthy mental habits. These resources can complement therapy and provide families with additional support.

Conclusion

Early identification of mental health challenges in children and adolescents can make a significant difference in their lives.

By staying attuned to changes in mood, behaviour, and overall well-being, parents can provide the support their child needs. At My Therapist Online, we offer convenient, accessible therapy for young people, helping families find the professional guidance they need to navigate these challenges.

If you're concerned about your child’s mental health, consider reaching out to MTO today to learn how our expert therapists can help your child thrive.

Learn More: www.mytherapistonline.co.uk

Image used : Pexels.com

Child and Adolescent self help book recommendations

Finding a good self help book can be as much of a minefield as finding the right therapist. We can help you with both! We asked our Child and adolescent specialist therapist for their top book recommendations, and these are the books they recommended.

Anxiety

Helping Your Child with Fears and Worries 2nd Edition: A self-help guide for parents, by Cathy Creswell , Lucy Willetts, et al.

Starving the Anxiety Gremlin: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Anxiety Management for Young People, (Gremlin and Thief CBT Workbooks), by Kate Collins-Donnelly

Think Good – Feel Good: A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People, by Paul Stallard

The Anxiety Workbook for Kids: Take Charge of Fears and Worries Using the Gift of Imagination, by Robin Alter, PhD and Crystal Clarke MSW

Overcoming Your Child's Shyness and Social Anxiety (Overcoming Books), by Lucy Willetts, Cathy Creswell

Low mood

Teenage Depression: A CBT Guide For Parents: Help your child beat their low mood, by Shirley Reynolds (Author), Monika Parkinson

Depression: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Young People (CBT with Children, Adolescents and Families), by Chrissie Verduyn (Author), Julia Rogers Alison Wood

What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers, by Adele Lafrance 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Stuff That's Loud: A Teen's Guide to Un-spiraling When OCD Gets Noisy (Instant Help Solutions), by Ben Sedley and Lisa Coyne

Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents, by Eli R. Lebowitz

Breaking Free from OCD: A CBT Guide for Young People and Their Families. By Sarah Robinson and Cynthia Turner Jo Derisley, Isobel Heyman

Acceptance and Commitment Books for Children and adolescents

Your Life, Your Way: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills to Help Teens Manage Emotions and Build Resilience. Paperback – Illustrated, 29 Oct. 2020, by Joseph V Ciarrochi (Author)

Your Life Your Way - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills to help teens manage emotions and build resilience. By Joseph v. Ciarrochi, PhD and Louise L. Hayes, PhD.

Self Esteem

Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Activities Book Second Edition 2nd Edition

The Self-Esteem Workbook, 2nd Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 26 Jan. 2017, by Glenn R Schiraldi PhD