Approximately one in five children and adolescents in the United States have mental-health issues, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Mental-health clinicians working in West Michigan schools and national experts have identified some warning signs that parents should not overlook. Those signs could be symptoms of a mental-health condition rather than a child going through a phase or acting out.

Clinicians say mental illness can often be hard for parents to identify, resulting in many children not receiving the treatment needed.

Parents know their children best and are urged to trust their gut and be mindful of warning signs for early intervention. 

1. Intense feelings, emotions

Your child has much more intense emotional reactions than his or her peers. They could be fine one moment and tearful the next or in a rage. Their emotions are so extreme and unstable that they interfere with them enjoying everyday life.

2. Trouble concentrating

Often when a child is struggling with their emotions, they tend to have concentration issues or display a lack of focus or interest. This could be reflected in poor or declining performance in school.

3. Isolating from friends

Social isolation from friends, which can start subtly or be sudden. Regardless of whether your child has a small or large circle of friends, avoiding them is a red flag.

4. Complaining of illnesses

Instead of expressing being sad or worried, children with mental-health conditions may frequently complain of illnesses such as headaches and stomach aches.

5. Physically harming themselves

Children with mental illness can become self-destructive, including intentionally harming themselves such as cutting or hitting themselves.

6. Change in sleeping habits, appetite

Changes in eating habits or sleep patterns should be worrisome. Parents should take note of children experiencing nightmares or are either unable to stay asleep or have difficulty falling to sleep. Eating too much or too little is also notable.

7. Substance abuse

Some young people struggling with mental-health issues use drugs and/or alcohol to cope with their pain.

8. Change in behavior

Dramatic changes in behavior or personality should be a red flag, including dressing differently, becoming more outgoing or reclusive, frequent fights and talking back. Those could all be signs.

9. Talking often about death or dying

Talking repeatedly about death and dying or harming others should be a glaring sign something is wrong. Parent should watch for suicidal remarks.

10. Lack of energy, motivation

Depression is a common mental disorder that can cause people to have a lack energy, interest and motivation.

Mental illness manifests differently in kids

Mental-health clinicians say there is help for children with unmet mental health needs. They say parents should understand children can have the same mental-health issues as adults, but they must be aware that their symptoms may look differently.

Source: Media Live Group

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/04/10_warning_signs_your_child_ne.html