One in ten children aged between five and sixteen has a recognisable mental disorder, so how can we spot the signs?
As children develop they will go through phases where their behaviour changes and they may become more challenging or withdrawn. This is normal. However, if there is a marked and sustained change in mood and behaviour, the child or young person may be developing mental health difficulties.
These can be physical as well as emotional. Physical changes include alterations in sleep patterns. Look out for it becoming excessive beyond the usual teenage fatigue or difficulty in sleeping. Weight loss and reduction of appetite or big changes in energy levels can suggest a problem, along with a lack of motivation. Stomachaches, headaches and backaches or bed-wetting or soiling in younger children may also be sign.
Sometimes a sudden change in how youngsters view themselves is a warning sign, such as loss of self-esteem, expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness, obsessive body image concerns or excessive neglect of personal appearance or hygiene.
What is happening at school can also be a signal. If a child’s academic performance or effort unexpectedly and dramatically declines, if there is strong resistance to attending school or absenteeism or even problems with memory, attention or concentration, it could suggest difficulties.
Advertisement
No one sign indicates a problem but you know your child and it is important to trust your instincts. However, keep a log of the context, nature, intensity, frequency and duration of the problems you notice.
Do not feel afraid to ask your child what is wrong. Even if they respond defensively, knowing you have noticed is the first step to them feeling able to open up to you. Be honest and non-judgmental so that they trust you and feel able to communicate safely with you. Do not feel afraid to set boundaries around behaviour.
As with our bodies, our minds can become unwell and there is no shame in a young person becoming mentally or emotionally ill, despite the prevailing stigma. Speak to your child’s school and your GP. Seek a referral to your local Child and Adolescent Services and do not feel afraid to push for this.
Contact your local authority or MP if you feel stuck on a waiting list and unsupported. Ensure that treatment offered is evidence-based for your child’s difficulties and visit www.nice.org.uk so you know what that is. For private mental health practitioners who are trained and accredited, see: www.bps.org.uk and www.bacp.co.uk. If you have really serious concerns about behaviour that appears dangerous or very disturbing, do not wait — go to A&E.