Why is Child Mental Health Important?

A child is at one of the most delicate ages of a human being: For this reason, any psychological problems affecting children can affect their future lives as adults. It is no wonder that many patients with mental illness have undergone trauma in their past, whether emotionally, like dealing with the loss of a family member or parents’ divorce that led to Irvine child mental health problems.

It is essential for any adult with a child to protect them from anything that can scar them psychologically. If the damage has already occurred, it is equally vital to have a professional evaluate them and recommend a treatment option to prevent the child from carrying whatever baggage they have into adulthood.

What is mental health?

A healthy mind has standard thought patterns that regulate emotions and behavior. However, any disruption of a person’s thought process in a way that causes distress and tampers with functionality is mental illness. During their developing age, some children experience disorders that hinder emotional regulation and development of social skills causing failure to function appropriately in various social situations like in school.

What are the common signs of mental illness in children?

Because children are growing physically and mentally, it can be hard to distinguish mental illness because some signs may be due to character development. However, if your family is going through a challenging period and you suspect a change in your child’s energy, it could be that they are struggling psychologically. Some of the common signs of mental health in kids include:

•         Frequent nightmares, tantrums, and irritability
•         Isolation
•         Lack of energy and interest to do the things they enjoyed before
•         Loss of appetite
•         Declining grades
•         Compulsive disorders
•         Mood swings
•         Headaches
•         Getting into fights with other children

Why should you seek mental health treatment for your child?

Some signs of psychological illness like self-harm or engaging in risky behavior and drug abuse are things that can affect the overall health of your child. Many health care professionals insist that parents and guardians find help for their children at an early age to prevent negative character development into adulthood which will be harder to change.

What is the treatment protocol for a mentally ill child?

The type of approach a health professional will recommend usually depends on the mental illness the child has. Some of the common mental issues affecting children include:

•         Schizophrenia
•         Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Traumatic events like abuse or injury can cause anxiety and psychological distress.
•         Depression with feelings of hopelessness, lacking energy, and isolation.
•         Anxiety-related disorders: Most children with persistent fear fall under this category.
•         Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Challenges maintaining focus and impulsive behavior are signs of an ADHD-struggling child.
•         Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The cause of this illness is usually of neurological origin and can affect communication and interaction with others.
•         Eating Disorders: The child will constantly think about having a specific body type or weight.

Do not wait until the situation gets worse before acting on your child’s cry for help. Seek psychological treatment by scheduling an appointment at Americas TMS Center to have a professional evaluate your child’s health status.