Although children are not less expressive than adults, they may communicate their concerns and challenges differently. Often they may lack the vocabulary to talk about their feelings. Subtleties of the discomfort they are experiencing in the form of sudden behavioral changes such as irritability, not doing what they like, difficulty concentrating, feeling unwell, and even physical symptoms such as tummy ache or headaches. There may be signs of this. (Also read: How bad is strict parenting for children? Experts share their insights)
Watch for sudden changes in your child's behavior, such as increased irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities. (Freepik) {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
Parents need to stay connected to their child's inner world and avoid ignoring obvious signs of mental health problems as “tantrums.” You must make time to talk to your child and give them space to openly express their feelings and emotions at any time.
Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India's general elections only on HT App. Downloading now! Downloading now!
“Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, but some signs of mental health problems in children are obvious, while others are subtle and easily overlooked. Recognizing these hidden signs early Proactively recognizing and addressing hidden signs of deteriorating children's mental health is essential to providing timely support and intervention to children's well-being and resilience. ,” says Neeraj Kumar, emotional well-being coach and founder of PeakMind.
Hidden Signs of Declining Mental Health in Children
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
Kumar details five hidden signs that indicate a child's deteriorating mental health and steps to take immediately.
1. Changes in behavior: Watch for sudden changes in your child's behavior, such as increased irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities. These changes may indicate underlying psychological distress or mental health concerns. Start an open, non-judgmental conversation with your child to understand their feelings and experiences. Encourage them to express their thoughts freely and seek professional help from a therapist or counselor if necessary.
2. Difficulty concentrating: Notice if your child is struggling to concentrate or focus on tasks they previously handled well. Persistent difficulty concentrating could be a sign of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. To address this, create a supportive environment for your child by minimizing distractions and providing a structured routine. Encourage breaks and relaxation techniques to manage stress and improve focus.
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
3. Changes in sleep patterns: Watch for significant changes in your child's sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or excessive sleep. Disrupted sleep can indicate underlying emotional agitation or anxiety. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and create a calming sleep environment for your child. Encourage relaxation activities before bed and limit screen time to promote improved sleep hygiene. If sleep problems persist, see a health care professional for further evaluation.
4. Physical Symptoms: Be on the lookout for unexplained physical symptoms or complaints, such as headaches, abdominal pain, or fatigue. These symptoms can have a variety of causes, but they can also be a manifestation of underlying mental health issues. Plan a thorough medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions. At the same time, acknowledge your child's experiences and feelings and reassure them that it's okay to seek help for mental health concerns.
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
5. Changes in academic performance: Watch for any sudden drops in your child's academic performance or changes in motivation or engagement. Declining academic performance can be a sign of underlying stress, anxiety, and depression. Communicate with your child's teacher to gain insight into academic challenges and seek additional support and resources as needed.
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, your one-stop-shop for live scores, match stats, quizzes, polls and more. Explore now!
Check out Hindustan Times website and app for all the latest lifestyle news on fashion, Taylor Swift, health, festivals, travel, relationships, recipes and more every day.
News / Lifestyle / Health / 5 hidden signs your child's mental health is declining and what to do immediately
Source link
