Mental Disorders in Children: Early Signs

Every child comes wearing a mask—sometimes happy, sometimes sad—but what happens when those hidden emotions start to reflect deeper struggles? 

Understanding the Hidden Struggles of Mental Health in Indian Children 

Data reveals that 14% of 15–24-year-olds in India report depression or having little interest in doing things. 7.3% of mental disorders prevail in children aged between 13-17 years.  

You might’ve noticed how children are sad, anxious, aggressive at times or even irritable. Many even find it hard to sit still, pay attention or interact with others. In most such cases, these might be understood as typical developmental phases in children. However, such behavior may also reflect a more serious problem.  

Mental illness in children can be very hard for parents to notice. Many children, therefore, do not get the help that they need. It is typically hard to detect mental health issues in children as childhood growth is a process of gradual change. Moreover, the symptom of a condition also depends on a child’s age. Young children find it difficult to express the way they feel or explain the way they behave in a certain way.  

In such cases, additional concerns like fear of stigma linked to mental illness, use of medications, or the cost of treatment can also prevent parents from considering treatment and care for their child.  

A Comprehensive Look at Children's Mental Well-Being: Why Every Child's Journey is Unique 

The term “mental illness” might not be entirely accurate, because there are several “physical” factors like heredity and brain chemistry that may be involved in the development of mental health disorders. As a result, mental health disorders, often, can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. 

Children differ from adults in their way of experiencing physical, mental, and emotional changes as they progress through stages of growth and development. They are also in their learning processes, exploring ways to cope with, adapt, and relate to others and the world around them.  

What’s more, each child grows at their own pace, and what is ‘normal’ falls under a wide range of behavior and abilities. It is because of these reasons that any diagnosis of mental health disorders considers a child’s functioning at home, within his/her family, at school, and with their peers, as well as their age and symptoms.  

What Triggers Mental Health Issues in Kids? 

No one can tell the exact cause of mental health disorders. However, research highlights a combination of factors like heredity, biology, psychological trauma and stress caused by the environment. These are explained in detail below: 

Heredity: Most mental health disorders run in families. This suggests that these disorders or a vulnerability to these issues, can often be passed on from parents to their children through genes.  

Biology: Mental illnesses in children have often been linked to an abnormal functioning of regions in the brain that control emotion, thought processes, perception and behavior. Head traumas can also lead to significant changes in mood and personality.  

Psychological trauma: Sometimes, mental health disorders may also be triggered by psychological trauma such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse in severe forms. Other causes may also include early loss and neglect.  

Environmental stress: Stressful or traumatic events that may have been experienced by children can trigger a disorder in someone with a vulnerability to a mental disorder.  

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Children 

Some of the early symptoms or warning symptoms among children are shown below: 

• Prolonged sadness that lasts two or more weeks 

• Changes in socialization or isolation 

• Hurting oneself or talking about it 

• Talking about suicidal intentions  

• Frequent outbursts or being very moody 

• Out-of-control behavior that is usually harmful 

• Big changes in behavior, mood or personality 

• Changes in diet 

• Loss of weight 

• Trouble having sound sleep 

• Frequent headaches or stomach aches 

• Difficulty concentrating 

• Avoiding school 

• Low performance in school 

What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has a Mental Health Condition 

If you are worried about your child’s mental health issues, you could consider visiting a child’s healthcare professional. Begin by describing the behaviors concerning you. Talk to their teachers, close friends, caregivers or relatives to learn about the changes in your child’s behavior.  

As previously discussed, children’s mental health is directly linked to their parents’ mental health. According to a recent study, 1 in every 14 children has a caregiver with poor mental health. Caregivers, especially fathers and mothers, play an essential role in providing support, which in turn supports their child’s mental health.  

Effective Ways to Support Their Mental Health 

Accept mental health as a challenge:  

Ensure that your child knows that they aren't alone in their struggle against mental health. Reassure them of your constant presence when they feel they need help or want to express their feelings and thoughts. Tell them how even adults go through problems that they cannot solve on their own. Point out how, oftentimes, it is easier to ask for help when there is someone on your side.  

One way is to check in on your child. Ask them about their day or what they have been doing. Try giving them enough time and space to be on their own. Tell them how it's normal to worry, feel stressed or sad, even as a child.  

If they do not wish to open to you, try taking them to other people they could talk to, a close friend, a trusted teacher or even an elder or doctor.  

Create a better environment at home:  

Children tend to feel secure and structured with boundaries, rules, and consequences that are mutually agreed upon. Your child is more likely to abide by the family rules if they have been a part of them, and helped you make them. These help your child understand family standards and the positive impacts and the consequences of breaking them. Negotiating these rules can significantly help in reducing feelings of anxiety, distrust, anger, and conflict management.  

Positive rules offer them the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships. Try setting realistic expectations about family traditions, especially in those related to their education, careers, choosing partners, etc. Although it may be difficult to openly discuss issues like drugs, sex and alcohol, you can prepare yourself for these conversations, especially with teenagers.  

Try engaging your child in household activities, irrespective of their gender. This motivates them to take responsibility and reflects their willingness to take it up. Tasks that are mutually agreed-upon give them a sense of contribution. Some of these activities might include shopping, helping family members and household chores.  

A Call to Action for Parents on Mental Health: Why Early Signs Are Important! 

In conclusion, recognizing the early signs of mental health disorders in children is extremely important for timely intervention and effective treatment. Early identification can help improve outcomes and set the stage for healthier development. In this regard, parents play a vital role in this process by nurturing a positive environment at home, which encourages open dialogue and provides emotional support. Furthermore, by understanding child psychology and employing positive parenting skills, they can better navigate their child's emotional challenges. Accepting mental health as a valid concern and seeking help when needed empowers both parents and children to address these issues proactively. Together, with awareness and compassion, we can create a supportive foundation for our children's mental well-being.