Recognizing Early Signs of Mental Health Concerns in Children: A Guide for Parents

By: Nainika Makhija

February 04th, 2025

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Children experience emotions just like adults, but they often lack the words to express what they’re going through. Mental health struggles in kids can be mistaken for “bad behavior” or “just a phase,” leading to delayed support. As a parent, recognising early warning signs can help ensure timely intervention and better outcomes.

Here’s what to look out for:

1. Sudden Mood Changes
  • Frequent mood swings that seem unusual for your child.
  • Persistent sadness, excessive irritability, or emotional outbursts over minor issues.
  • Overreacting to small problems or being unable to calm down.
2. Withdrawal from Activities
  • Loss of interest in hobbies, playtime, or activities they once loved.
  • Avoiding friends, family, or social gatherings.
  • Spending more time alone in their room than usual.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or frequent nightmares.
  • Sleeping too much and still feeling tired.
  • Waking up frequently at night or expressing fears about bedtime.
4. Appetite Fluctuations
  • Eating significantly more or less than usual.
  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
  • Complaints of stomachaches with no medical explanation.
5. Persistent Anxiety or Fears
  • Constant worrying about things that don’t seem concerning to others.
  • Unusual fears, like extreme fear of the dark, school, or being left alone.
  • Repeated reassurance-seeking from parents.
6. Trouble in School
  • Drop in academic performance without an obvious reason.
  • Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or seeming “distant” in class.
  • Complaints of physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches) to avoid school.
7. Aggressive or Self-Harming Behaviour
  • More frequent tantrums, hitting, biting, or lashing out at others.
  • Destructive behaviours, like breaking things intentionally.
  • Self-harming behaviours such as cutting, scratching, or pulling out hair.
8. Excessive Screen Time or Isolation
  • Spending most of their time on phones, tablets, or video games as an escape.
  • Avoiding face-to-face interactions, even with close family members.
  • Showing distress when asked to participate in offline activities.

9. Complaints of Physical Ailments with No Medical Cause

  • Frequent headaches, nausea, or stomachaches with no clear medical reason.
  • Feeling “sick” whenever they have to face a stressful situation.
  • Regular visits to the school nurse without a diagnosable illness.
10. Expressions of Hopelessness
  • Saying things like:
  • “Nobody likes me.”
  • “I’m useless.”
  • “What’s the point of anything?”
  • Drawing or writing about sadness, isolation, or self-harm.
  • Showing an unusual fixation on death or negative themes in stories.

What Can Parents Do?

1. Listen Without Judgment
  • Encourage your child to share their feelings.
  • Avoid dismissing their worries with phrases like “It’s just a phase” or “You’re overreacting.”
2. Validate Their Feelings
  • Instead of saying, “You’re fine,” try “I see you’re upset, and that’s okay. Do you want to talk about it?”
  • Let them know their emotions are valid and that they’re not alone.
3. Maintain Routine & Support
  • A stable routine provides children with a sense of security.
  • Encourage healthy habits like regular meals, sleep schedules, and outdoor play.
4. Encourage Healthy Coping Skills
  • Introduce deep breathing, journaling, or creative activities like drawing to help them express emotions.
  • Model calm behaviour in stressful situations to show them healthy ways to cope.
5. Seek Professional Help Early
  • If signs persist or worsen, consult a child psychologist or counselor.
  • Early intervention can prevent long-term struggles and provide your child with the right tools to manage emotions.
  • Your child’s emotions matter. Mental health challenges don’t always “go away on their own.” By staying observant and offering a safe space for your child, you can help them navigate their feelings in a healthy way.