Children and Adolescent Mental Health

Children and teenagers experience stress, anxiety, sadness and other emotional challenges just as adults do. However, they may not always have the words or skills to explain what they are experiencing.

Sometimes changes in a child’s behaviour may be dismissed as “just a phase,” “attention seeking” or “indiscipline.” While behavioural and emotional changes can be part of normal development, persistent or significant changes may indicate that a child needs additional support.

Recognising the signs early can make an important difference.

Warning Signs in Younger Children

Parents, caregivers and teachers should pay attention to persistent changes such as:

• Frequent or intense tantrums and irritability
• Excessive fears or worries
• Frequent unexplained headaches or stomach aches
• Significant changes in sleep
• Persistent restlessness or difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawal from play or other children
• Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
• Declining academic performance
• Changes in appetite or behaviour
• Losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed

Warning Signs in Older Children and Adolescents

Signs may include:

• Persistent sadness, anxiety or irritability
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Significant changes in sleep or appetite
• Low energy or motivation
• Sudden decline in school performance
• Excessive concern about weight, food or exercise
• Alcohol or substance use
• Risky or destructive behaviour
• Self-harm
• Significant or unusual changes in mood, energy or behaviour
• Hearing, seeing or strongly believing things that others do not
• Talking about hopelessness, death or suicide

Any talk of suicide, self-harm or wanting to die should always be taken seriously and requires prompt professional attention.

What Can Affect a Child’s Mental Health?

Mental health challenges can develop through a combination of biological, psychological, family, social and environmental factors.

Stressful experiences may include:

• Bullying or discrimination
• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Loss of a loved one
• Parental separation or divorce
• Family conflict
• Living with chronic illness
• Academic or social difficulties
• Poverty, housing instability or other financial pressures
• Taking on responsibilities beyond their age
• Exposure to violence or traumatic experiences
• Mental health or substance use challenges within the family

Children respond differently to difficult experiences. What one child manages comfortably may be overwhelming for another.

How Parents and Caregivers Can Help

Listen without judgement Create an environment where children feel safe talking about their feelings. Avoid immediately dismissing, criticizing or trying to “fix” what they are experiencing.

Keep communication open Ask how they are doing and show genuine interest in their friendships, school life and everyday experiences.

Watch for changes Pay attention to significant or persistent changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, eating, friendships and school performance.

Model healthy coping Children learn from the adults around them. Demonstrate healthy ways of managing stress, expressing emotions, solving problems and asking for help.

Create structure and boundaries Predictable routines, age-appropriate boundaries and a stable home environment can help children feel secure.

Make time for connection Play, conversation, shared meals and other family activities provide opportunities to strengthen relationships and notice when something may be wrong.

Seek professional support early If emotional or behavioural difficulties persist, worsen or begin interfering with school, relationships or everyday life, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.

Early Support Matters

Seeking mental health support for a child does not mean something has gone terribly wrong. Early intervention can help children and adolescents understand their emotions, develop healthy coping skills and prevent difficulties from becoming more severe.

Parents, caregivers, teachers and healthcare professionals all have a role in creating environments where young people feel safe, heard and supported.

At Chiromo Hospital Group, we provide professional mental health assessment and individualized support for children, adolescents and their families.

Listen to them. Notice the changes. Take their feelings seriously. Seek support when needed.

Chiromo Hospital Group — Recovery in Dignity