Mental Illness in Children: Biggest Warning Signs:
At support group, I’m often told by the older members how lucky I am to have been diagnosed at such a young age. I was diagnosed at 19, but my symptoms started in childhood.
If I were diagnosed earlier, could I have prevented some of the toughest times in my life? Maybe my parents would have benefitted from knowing about my mental illness before I was an adult. I remember being very anxious and depressed around 12, and would consider myself experienced in mood episodes as early as elementary school.
Knowing how to spot the signs of mental illness in a young person is difficult. Many parents assume that their child is “going through a stage” with hopes that the issues will go away on their own. However, there is a body of reliable information that suggests that mental health should first be addressed and examined in childhood, especially if there are signs of an issue.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders start by age 14 and three-fourths by 24 years of age. Because of the early onset of mental disorders, it’s imperative that treatment and other resources are available early.
In the first report of the prevalence of specific mental illnesses among American children ages 3-17, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that up to one out of five children have a diagnosable mental disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, disruptive behavioral disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders were among the most prevalent in the above age group.
Gleaning from information from several sources including Lizette Borreli’s article on common mental health disorders in kids, I give you the three biggest warning signs in myself and some of the most prevalent warning signs in kids of a possible mental disorder:
1. Mood Swings
A change in mood that lasts for two weeks can be a strong indicator of a serious mental illness.
For instance, when I was 12, I went into a deep depression, with suicidal thoughts and panic episodes. It was a far cry from the cheery child I usually was.
Your child’s mood might range from hyperactive to melancholy and can change within a short time span with no substantial reason. This may be an early sign of bipolar disorder.
One-third of the 3.4 million children and teens who have a diagnosis of depression may be experiencing early-onset bipolar disorder.
Chronic irritability may also be a sign of concern.
2. Excessive Fear/Worrying
In middle school, I had excessive anxiety—I was afraid of science experiments in school, of what I would do if I didn’t get my favorite baseball player’s autograph. It might sound silly, but the fears were repetitive and consuming.
They took over my life, and soon, became more complicated. They didn’t go away.
Throughout early childhood, fears and worries are common. It is normal for toddlers to feel the dark or the “boogie monster”. For grade school children, an athletic performance or fears about dating are also normal.
However, when fears become so excessive that they interfere with a child’s daily functions, it is time to seek help.
3. Lack of Concentration
Children who have extreme difficulty concentrating could potentially have a mental disorder. The inability to focus on a simple task could be a sign of ADHD or depression.
Trouble concentrating in a child with a disorder often manifests in their school or social life.
By Kat Dawkins
Resources
If you see any of these signs in your child, you might want to seek resources for guidance. Some organizations in which you can go to for help:
