When is it Time to Get My Child Mental Health Help?

As a parent, it’s not easy to think that your child might be struggling mentally. Unfortunately, it’s a reality for so many families across the country. According to the American Psychological Association, up to 20 million youths in our country could currently be diagnosed with a mental health condition. 

Some stress or sadness might be nothing to worry about. But there’s a fine line between normal feelings and behaviors and mental health issues. Understanding when it’s time to get your child help is important for their overall well-being.

So, how do you know when that line is crossed? When is it time to get your child mental health help? Let’s look at a few key signs to help you make that determination. 

Signs of Mental Health Issues

You know your child better than anyone, so it’s probably easy to tell when their behaviors change. While some changes might be normal as they try to understand and process emotions, certain things should be considered red flags. 

Some of the most common signs of mental health issues in children include persistent sadness lasting longer than two weeks, changes in their personality, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, or angry outbursts. 

Your child also might suddenly want to withdraw from people and things they love. Isolation can be a glaring sign of anxiety or depression. 

Additionally, take a look at how your child is doing in school. Have they suddenly started to complain about going? Are you hearing from their teachers? Have they started to do poorly? Since school is likely where they spend most of their time each day, their academic performance can serve as a strong indicator if something is wrong. 

When Should You Seek Help?

Again, some behavioral changes are normal. Everyone has an “off” day from time to time, and you shouldn’t automatically assume the worst if your child is struggling for up to a few days. 

However, if you’ve noticed persistent changes in their behavior or demeanor for several weeks, it’s time to consider treatment. For example, if your child experiences a stressful or sad event, the response might last a few days. If you notice those negative feelings lingering for weeks, something is likely lingering beneath the surface.

You should also consider professional help if your child’s demeanor or behavior impacts your family life. If their behaviors have become distressing, you shouldn’t wait to get the help your whole family deserves.

Additionally, consider how those feelings and behaviors are impacting your child. If they’re struggling in school, withdrawing from relationships, and shying away from the hobbies and activities they usually enjoy, it’s taking a toll on their quality of life. The longer that continues, the worse the mental health issues are likely to become. 

Finally, take immediate action if you feel like your child’s thoughts or behaviors could be dangerous. If they’ve talked about self-harm or indicated that they don’t want to be around, take it seriously. 

What Can You Do?

If any of these red flags arise, the best thing you can do for your child is to have them work with a therapist. Child therapy can help your child better understand where their emotions are coming from. Then, they’ll learn how to handle them and cope in safe and healthy ways.

Helping your child take charge of their mental health now can lead to healthier habits in the future. They’ll prioritize their mental well-being into adulthood, including practicing self-care, feeling comfortable talking about mental health issues, and more.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you notice any of these signs. You’re not alone; together, we can help your child work through whatever they might be dealing with.