Ideally, children should have a healthy and happy childhood, but at times your child may experience painful mental problems. According to the Surgeon General, approximately one in five kids will exhibit symptoms of mental distress or trouble over a year's time. Although various causes and factors may increase the risk of developing mental problems, children of all classes and backgrounds are susceptible to mental illness.
Depression
Depression is a common mental issue among children. According to the University of Michigan Depression Center, approximately five percent of kids may experience a serious bout of depression. Children typically deny feeling depressed and find it difficult to talk about their problems. Signs your child might be depressed are changes in appetite, lack of energy, irritability, changes in sleep patterns and poor school performance. Kids may complain of headaches and stomach aches that aren't caused by illness. Untreated depression may lead to dangerous, risky behaviors like taking drugs, states the University of Michigan Depression Center. In the most serious cases of depression, your child may be at risk for suicide. Mild depression is treated by psychotherapy. More severe depression may require antidepressant medications along with psychotherapy.
Anxiety Problems
Anxiety and stress are normal parts of your child's life, but when an anxiety level reaches a point where it takes over your child's life, an anxiety disorder is likely the problem. Generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worry about everyday problems. Kids may experience trouble sleeping, trembling, twitching and nausea. Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when kids experience a trauma. Kids suffering from post-traumatic stress may become aggressive, have bad dreams or flashbacks and lose interest in favorite activities, according to the governmental website, 4Parents. Panic disorders cause unexpected attacks of anxiety and fear. If you think your child is suffering from anxiety problems, speak to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Eating Disorders
Poor self-esteem and control issues may trigger an eating disorder in your child. Two common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, according to 4Parents. Anorexic kids often eat small amounts of food and worry about their calorie intake, have an intense fear of being fat and may eventually avoid food. Kids suffering from bulimia binge and purge, which means they eat a large amount of food at once and then get rid of the food by vomiting or using laxatives. Both eating disorders can cause serious health problems. If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, speak to your doctor or a mental health professional.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration National Mental Health Information Center: Children's Mental Health Facts: Children and Adolescents with Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders
- 4Parents: Anxiety Disorders
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Surgeon General: Overview of Mental Disorders in Children
- University of Michigan Depression Center: Facts about Depression in Children and Adolescents
- 4Parents: Eating Disorders
