Recognizing these signs and taking essential steps can support your child’s mental health and help them get through these difficult times.
One of the main responsibilities of a parent is to ensure the well-being of their children, including their mental health. However, recognizing signs of mental distress in children can be challenging as they do not always express their feelings openly. Dr Sanju Sidaraddi, Consultant, Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, spoke to India.com and discussed five subtle signs that indicate your child may need support for her mental health. Additionally, here are some steps he can take to provide the necessary guidance during the crucial moment.
5 SUBTLE SIGNS THAT INDICATE YOUR CHILD NEEDS SUPPORT
- Sudden change in mood: Parents should pay close attention to detect any change in behavior. Watch out for sudden changes in behavior, such as getting irritated easily, lack of energy, not wanting to go out or meet your friends, losing interest in activities you once loved to do, being constantly sad, which can lead to crying, mood swings, being in a bad mood. and getting aggressive. These frequently changing moods can affect a child’s mental health and cause emotional distress. It is important to address these symptoms immediately to avoid further complications.
- Changes in sleep pattern: Children may have difficulty sleeping and experience various problems, such as frequent nightmares, difficulty sleeping, lack of quality sleep, or may sleep more than usual. These symptoms can be alarming signs that something is going on with your child’s mental health. It is vital not to ignore these symptoms and take immediate action before the situation worsens.
- Experiencing physical distress: Children may suddenly begin to feel some physical distress, such as episodes of vomiting, severe headache, sharp, cramp-like stomach pain, and body aches. These symptoms can worsen over time, so it is important to address them as soon as possible.
- Changes in eating habits: Significant changes in eating habits can be an indication of various health problems, especially mental health problems. Parents may notice certain changes in their children’s eating patterns, such as eating too little or too much, being picky and picky about certain foods, and binge eating. These changes in eating habits can deteriorate your physical health, generating other health problems.
- Difficulty concentrating: See if your child often has difficulty concentrating or concentrating on certain tasks or activities that he previously performed well. Often, the inability to concentrate can be a sign of various mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
ESSENTIAL MEASURES TO CONSIDER
- It is important to encourage open communication with your child to express what they are feeling and how this sudden change in mood may cause them distress. Parents are advised to be kind and patient with their children as this whole situation can be physically and mentally exhausting.
- It is essential that parents provide appropriate guidance and be good listeners to their children by validating their emotions. Remember that it is impossible to cure mental health problems overnight and it may take a few days or even weeks to get effective results.
- Try to talk to your child to find out what exactly is bothering him. Lack of sleep can be annoying and get in the way of your daily routine. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help them maintain healthy sleep habits.
- You can try to create a peaceful and calm environment to make them feel relaxed and promote better sleep. Even after certain efforts, sleep disorders remain constant and parents are advised to consult experts or a doctor to seek medical guidance to address mental health-related issues.
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