A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Mental Health

Too many children and adolescents with mental health conditions go untreated. Research has found that approximately 70-80% of children with mental health disorders go without

If your child catches the flu or sprains an ankle on the soccer field, you can see visible signs of the problem and you know what to do to treat it. But when it comes to your child’s mental health, it’s not so cut and dried.

Too many children and adolescents with mental health conditions go untreated. Research has found that approximately 70-80% of children with mental health disorders go without care.

A child’s poor behavior or a depressed mood might be attributed to temperament or a developmental phase. Add to that the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and the challenge and expense of addressing them, it’s easy to see how parents may not readily see a problem, as research has found.

Yet, a child’s mental health is paramount to their well-being and success in life. It’s especially important to identify and treat mental health issues early when they start. The National Alliance on Mental Health reports that 50% of lifetime mental disorders start by about age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Allowing a child’s symptoms to go unchecked can increase the chances of failing in school, limit their opportunities to go to college, lessen their ability to get the job they want, and set them up for a lifetime of difficulty in relationships with others. A parent’s worst nightmare, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior.

But it is not all gloom and doom. Mental health conditions are highly treatable. As a parent, you can educate yourself about mental health challenges that children and teens commonly face, as well as the warning signs of a mental health problem.

Here’s your guide to children’s mental health, including tips for parenting to support your child’s mental well-being now and into adulthood.

Mental Health Conditions in Children – The Facts

Mental health conditions among children and adolescents are surprisingly common. According to the latest available data (collected in 2018-2019) from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 7 children ages 3 to 17 (13%) had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. As several years have passed since the data collection, that figure is estimated to be higher today.

The most common childhood mental health conditions are attention deficit (ADD), also known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); anxiety disorders; behavioral problems (including oppositional defiant disorder and anger issues); and depression (or mood disorders).

Here are the latest available statistics for each condition:

CDC data collected from 2021–2022 reports the following:

  • 10% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed anxiety (9% of males and 11% of females).
  • 7% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed behavior disorders (10% of males and 5% of females).
  • 4% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed depression (3% of males and 6% of females).

Of course, there are other mental health disorders in children too. Children and teens can suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), eating disorders, PTSD, PANDAS, tourette syndrome, schizophrenia, aggression, learning disabilities, substance abuse problems, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), to name several.

It’s not uncommon for a child or teen to have more than one mental health disorder. For example, the CDC reports a 2022 survey showed more than 75% of children with ADD/ADHD had at least one other co-occurring condition. If you recognize multiple signs and symptoms in your child, it could mean that co-occurring conditions are at play. 

A parent’s greatest concern, suicidality, is a high risk among teens. An estimated 2 million adolescents attempt suicide each year. It is the second leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 10 to 24 after unintentional injuries.

Unfortunately, too many children and adolescents with mental health conditions go untreated. Research has found that approximately 70-80% of children with mental health disorders go without care.

While these statistics are sobering, the good news is that research shows early diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions show better outcomes for children and adolescents as adults. Parents play a crucial role in helping to spot the signs of a mental health problem when it starts.

Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues in Kids

Indeed, one of the best things you can do as a parent for your child’s mental health is know the signs. The difficulty is in discerning a period of troublesome behavior and emotional problems from a true mental health condition.

Keep these questions in mind to help you figure out if your child may need to see someone:

  1. Are the signs persistent for several weeks, months, or longer?
  2. Are the signs negatively impacting your child’s academic performance, friendships, or home life?

If the answer is yes, that’s a clear indication it is time to seek help. Remember, failing to address these types of signals can increase the chances of your child having a lifetime of mental health struggles.

Signs of a Mental Health Problem in Younger Children

  • Frequent tantrums or persistent irritability
  • Increasing complaints of stomachaches or headaches unrelated to a medical cause
  • Difficulty being still except when engaged in video games, etc.
  • Problems with sleep – either too little or too much, having nightmares, or daytime sleepiness
  • Shows little to no interest in playing with other kids or has trouble making friends
  • Struggles academically or has a recent decline in grades
  • Checks things repeatedly or engages in repetitive action out of fear that something bad could happen

Signs of a Mental Health Issue in Older Children and Teens

  • No longer has interest or shows little interest in activities they used to enjoy
  • Low energy
  • Sleeps too little or too much or is sleepy during the day
  • Increasingly isolates, spending little time with friends or family; avoids social activities
  • Has periods of highly elevated energy and activity with litlte sleep
  • Thinking someone is trying to control their mind or hearing things others don’t

Less Obvious Signs of Mental Health Issues

At Amen Clinics, our mental health experts have additionally noted the following less noticeable signs of mental health problems in children and teens:

  • Persistent nightmares
  • Changes in appetite or diet
  • Mood swings (emotional outbursts, crying spells)
  • Avoiding or missing school
  • Persistent boredom
  • Argumentative, aggressive, and oppositional behavior

Condition-specific Signs of Mental Health Issues

Here are some indicators that your child may have one or more of the four most common mental health conditions among kids and teens: ADD/ADHD, anxiety, behavioral problems, or depression:

  1. ADD/ADHD

ADD/ADHD in children symptoms include inattention, trouble focusing, being easily distracted, frequent daydreams, overfocused attention, hyperactivity, an inability to sit still, and disorganization.

  1. Anxiety

If you are wondering how to help a child with anxiety, you can start by identifying if they have any of the following signs:

  • Worrying or crying more than other kids their age
  • Saying they don’t feel well (sore muscles, upset stomach, headache, etc.)
  • Restlessness
  • Easily angered
  • Trouble focusing
  • Saying they are/are not hungry all the time
  • Tremors
  • Refusing to go to school
  • Frequently going to the bathroom
  1. Behavioral Problems

Child behavior problems might include impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, anger or aggression issues, negativity, nervousness, disruptive talking, inappropriate actions, manipulation, defiance, inattention, or antisocial behavior.

  1. Depression

There are five common signs of depression in kids:

  • Mood and attention changes (Suddenly sadder or more irritable; more lonely and likely to cry; more temper tantrums in younger children)

  • Loss of interest and/or motivation (low energy, lethargy, no motivation to do what they used to enjoy)

  • Self-destructive behavior (self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc., as well as risk-taking behaviors such as reckless driving, unprotected sex, running away)
  • Physical ailments (sleeplessness or sleeping too much, pains and aches, gastrointestinal issues – without a medical cause)
  • Negative thinking patterns (negative thoughts causing your child to feel guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, fear, or self-loathing)

Signs of More Serious Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers analyzed epidemiological data from more than 6,000 children and parents to determine signs of more serious psychiatric issues. They came up with the following 11 warning signs that were published in the medical journal Pediatrics. If you recognize your child as exhibiting even one of these signs, it is cause to seek out help from a pediatrician or qualified mental health professional as soon as possible.

  1. Feeling extremely withdrawn or sad for more than 2 weeks
  2. Having made or making plans to harm or kill themselves
  3. Sudden, overwhelming fear not tied to anyting in particular, sometimes experienced with rapid breathing and a racing heart
  4. Getting involved in fights; using a weapon, or strongly wanting to hurt others
  5. Extreme, out-of-control behavior that can endanger themselves or others
  6. Eating too little, throwing up, or taking laxatives to make themselves lose weight
  7. Intense worries or fears that disrupt their day-to-day activities
  8. Great difficulty concentrating or remaining still that puts them in physical danger or causes school failure
  9. Repeated drug or alcohol use
  10. Intense mood swings that cause problems in relationships with others
  11. Dramatic changes in personality or behavior

If you observe just one of these behaviors in your child or teen, it is recommended that you take them to see a qualified mental health professional for an evaluation.

Brain Health Is Mental Health

It’s important for parents to address any stigma they may carry about mental health disorders. The truth is mental health disorders are brain health disorders and multiple factors play into their development. Rather than being character flaws or personal weakness, mental conditions have a neurological and biological basis. Compromised brain function or damaged brain structure oftentimes contribute to their development. Genetic, lifestyle, temperament, and life experiences can all influence mental health too.

In order to properly diagnose and treat mental health conditions, Amen Clinics uses brain SPECT imaging, which measures brain blood flow patterns. By examining cerebral blood flow, areas of the brain that are overworking, underworking, or functioning normally can be identified. Looking at what is happening in the brain allows for a more accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

While talk therapy and medication may be necessary in treating some pediatric mental health issues, oftentimes adjusting lifestyle factors to support brain health can improve a child’s condition dramatically. That might mean making dietary changes, starting nutritional supplementation, implementing physical activity, ensuring restful sleep, and more.

Parenting Tips for Mental Health

If you believe your child is suffering from a mental health condition, in addition to seeing your child’s pediatrician or a qualified mental health professional, there are things you can do. Take measures in your parenting style and at home to ensure you are prioritizing brain healthy habits as well as good mental health practices. As most adults don’t even know how to talk to kids about mental health, there may be a learning curb! Be patient.

Below are suggestions gleaned from Raising Mentally Strong Kids a book by Amen Clinics’ founder, Daniel Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD.

  1. Prioritize Mental Health

Teach your child the importance of prioritizing mental health. Be proactive in addressing any mental health concerns your child may have. Readily seek professional support when needed. Make a safe space or time for your child to share openly with you. (This might be at bedtime for younger children or during a car ride for teens.) Listen and validate your child’s experiences without being reactive or “fixing.” It’s important for them to feel you genuinely want to hear about their life in a supportive, non-judgmental way.

  1. Promote Positive Thinking

Automatic negative thoughts can fan the flames of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. You can teach your child how to challenge negative thoughts (such as black-and-white “all or nothing,” always/never thoughts) and replace them with constructive, optimistic perspectives. This practice boosts self-esteem and helps your child develop resilience.

  1. Adopt Brain Healthy Nutrition

What your child eats plays a huge role in how they feel mentally. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats, lean proteins, antioxidant and nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes, and complex carbohydrates – are all excellent for brain health. Limit consumption of foods that may compromise brain or digestive health such as sugar, artificial sweeteners, food additives, processed foods, and gluten.

  1. Ensure Physical Activity

Kids need to move their bodies! Exercise enhances brain function, improves mood, and reduces stress.

  1. Manage Screen Time

Setting healthy boundaries around the use of technology is essential for your child’s mental health. A number of mental health conditions are exacerbated by overuse of social media. Encouraging face-to-face interactions, creative play, and outdoor activities are much better alternatives to screen time.

  1. Build Emotional Intelligence

Model and teach your child to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions. If appropriate, introduce your child or teen to deep breathing and meditation – great tools for emotional self-regulation.

  1. Create a Supportive Environment

Maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, and providing consistent encouragement and praise are all part of creating a healthy environment for your child.

  1. Teach Problem-Solving Skills

Involving your child in some decision-making processes and encouraging them to think critically about the consequences of their actions fosters independence and confidence in their ability to handle challenges.

  1. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Teach your child that they can grow with effort and perseverance. This mindset will help them view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

It Starts With You

In addressing a child’s mental health needs, parents sometimes discover long overlooked mental health conditions in themselves. This frequently happens in cases of ADD/ADHD and ASD. Sometimes adults have lived their lives with ADD/ADHD or ASD without diagnosis or treatment. The best way to teach your child about mental health is to take care of your own!

Villatro AP, et al. Parental Recognition of Preadolescent Mental Health Problems: Does Stigma Matter? Soc Sci Med. 2018 Sep 22;216:88–96.

National Alliance of Mental Illness website

https://www.nami.org/your-journey/kids-teens-and-young-adults/kids/#:~:text=Mental%20health%20conditions%20are%20very,before%20the%20age%20of%2024.

Accessed January 24, 2025

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html#:~:text=Childhood%20mental%20health%20conditions%20affect,mental%20or%20behavioral%20health%20condition.

Accessed January 24, 2025

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

NCHS Data Brief, No. 499, March 2024

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db499.pdf

Accessed January 24, 2025

 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html#:~:text=Other%20concerns%20and%20conditions%20with%20ADHD&text=According%20to%20a%20national%202022,children%20with%20ADHD%20had%20anxiety.

Accessed January 24, 2025

Koppelman J. Children with Mental Disorders: Making Sense of Their Needs and the Systems That Help Them [Internet]. Washington (DC): National Health Policy Forum; 2004 Jun 4. (Issue Brief, No. 799.)

2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2022 Oct. CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH.

Jensen P, et al. Overlooked and Underserved: “Action Signs” for Identifying Children With Unmet Mental Health Needs. Pediatrics. 2011 Nov;128(5):970–979.

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