Children’s mental health plays an essential role in their emotional, social, and academic development. Understanding the early signs of mental health challenges can help parents, caregivers, and educators provide the right support before problems become more serious. While every child experiences emotional ups and downs, recognizing when additional help may be needed can make a lasting difference in their overall well-being.
How To Understand Children's Mental Health
One important aspect to understanding children’s mental health is recognizing the signs of common disorders such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. It is crucial to listen to children when they express their emotions and concerns, as communication is key in addressing their mental health needs.
Seeking professional help from therapists or counselors can also provide valuable insights and support in managing a child’s mental health. By being proactive and attentive to a child’s emotional well-being, caregivers can help promote positive mental health outcomes for children.
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Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
All children's are sad, anxious, irritable, or aggressive at times, and many find it occasionally challenging to sit still, pay attention, or interact with others.
In most cases, these are just typical developmental phases. However, such behaviors may also indicate a more serious problem in some children.
Written by: National Institutes of Health Staff
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What are the signs of mental health conditions in children?
Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
Distinguishing between challenging behaviors and emotions that are a part of normal development and those that may be cause for concern can be hard.
Consider seeking help if your child’s behavior or emotions last for weeks or longer, cause distress for your child or your family, or interfere with your child’s functioning at school, at home, or with friends.
If your child’s behavior is unsafe, or if your child talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else, seek help immediately. Learn more about warning signs.
Written by: National Institutes of Health Staff
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What mental disorders can affect children?
Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
Many mental disorders can begin in childhood. Examples include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Written by: National Institutes of Health Staff
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Why is children’s mental health important?
Children’s mental health
Mental health—an essential part of children’s overall health—has a complex interactive relationship with their physical health and their ability to succeed in school, at work, and in society.
Both physical and mental health affect how we think, feel, and act on the inside and outside. Mental health is important throughout childhood—from prenatal considerations through transitions to adulthood.
Written by: American Psychological Association Staff
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When might children benefit from an evaluation?
Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
Younger children
- Have frequent tantrums or are irritable
- Often seem fearful or worried
- Complain about frequent stomachaches or headaches
- Are in constant motion and cannot sit quietly
- Sleep too much or too little, have frequent nightmares
- Are not interested in playing with other children
- Struggle academically
- Repeat actions or check things many times
Written by: National Institutes of Health Staff
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When might children benefit from an evaluation?
Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
Older children
- Have lost interest
- Have low energy
- Sleep too much or too little
- Have periods of highly elevated energy and activity
- Spend more and more time alone
- Diet or exercise excessively
- Engage in self-harm behaviors
- Smoke, drink, or use drugs
- Engage in risky or destructive behavior
- Have thoughts of suicide
- Say that they think someone is trying to control their mind
Written by: National Institutes of Health Staff
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Common disorders among children
Mental illness in children: Know the signs
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Eating disorders
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
Written by: Mayo Clinic Staff
Visit Mayo Clinic to Learn MoreWhat should I do if I suspect that my child has a mental health condition?
Mental illness in children: Know the signs
Written by: Mayo Clinic Staff
Visit Mayo Clinic to Learn MoreHow can I help my child cope with mental illness?
Mental illness in children: Know the signs
You play a huge role in supporting your child's treatment plan. To care for yourself and your child:
- Learn about the illness.
- Consider family counseling that treats all members as partners in the treatment plan.
- Ask your child's mental health professional for advice on how to respond to your child and handle tough behavior.
- Enroll in parent training programs designed for parents of children with a mental illness.
- Look for ways to handle stress and help you respond calmly.
- Seek ways to relax and have fun with your child.
- Praise your child's strengths and skills.
- Work with your child's school to get the support your child needs.
Written by: Mayo Clinic Staff
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