When you think about a child leading a healthy, happy life, you probably think about them finding activities they enjoy, making friends, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting plenty of playtime. This all factors into their wellbeing, but there’s another important element in the mix: their mental health. It’s a common misconception that challenges in this area only affect adults. Actually, kids need mental health care, too.

In fact, mental health among children and teens has gone overlooked for so long that a lot of experts are calling it a crisis. We’re not saying this to strike fear into the hearts of parents and all of the other important people in a kid’s life. But we do want us all to be informed about the mental health challenges children and teens can face. That way, we can be on the lookout for warning signs and jump in with help when they need it.

Common mental health challenges for kids

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) report that the most common mental health issues among Americans ages 3 to 17 are:

• ADHD, which affects 9.8% of kids and teens
• Anxiety, which affects 9.4% of kids and teens
• Behavior problems, which affect 8.9% of kids and teens
• Depression, which affects 4.4% of kids and teens

You probably want to be on the lookout for these potential challenges in the kids in your life. With that in mind, let’s explore each individually.

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) makes it harder for kids to sit still and pay attention. You might think that sounds like most kids, but ADHD differentiates itself. It exhibits as an avoidance of tasks that require mental focus, frequently losing things, problems with organization and deadlines, and a lack of detail focus in kids with inattentive-type ADHD. Kids can also have hyperactive/impulsive-type ADHD, which means they usually move and talk more than the situation calls for. They might interrupt others, have a hard time waiting in line, and fidget a lot. Finally, some kids can have a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-type ADHD.

Anxiety

In kids and teens, anxiety usually takes the form of excessive worry. They might be afraid of a specific thing (have a phobia), being separated from their parents (separation anxiety), interacting with their peers and adults (social anxiety), or have general anxiety that makes them worried something bad will happen.

Anxiety can also develop into panic attacks. These short but intense episodes are usually characterized by difficulty breathing, a racing heart rate, sweating, shaking, or some combination of these symptoms.

Behavior problems

This sign that kids need mental health care needs a little less explanation. You’re probably well aware if the child or teen in your life struggles with what the CDC calls conduct disorder (CD) — like rule-breaking, lying, or bullying — or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which can mean getting angry, arguing, and being resentful.

Depression

Many kids go through periods of sadness. But if the teen or child in your life stays down for more than a couple of weeks, it could be depression. This is particularly true if it affects their social life, school, and level of interest in things they cared about before.

What to do when kids need mental health care

If any of the mental health challenges we just outlined sound familiar, start by talking to your family doctor. That person knows your teen or child and can help you evaluate what you’ve been observing.

While a lot of physical health doctors have mental health training — or at least a level of awareness — if you don’t get the support you want there, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health expert.

In a lot of cases, kids and teens benefit from talk therapy. This gives them a safe space to explore what they’re feeling. Their therapist can also partner with you to develop tools your whole family can use at home. You can explore one-on-one sessions with your child and their therapy, or family counseling so you can all be in the room together. Our team is available to talk through what you’ve been experiencing and recommend a plan to help your teen or child.

If you think a kid in your life might be dealing with some mental health challenges, don’t ignore it. Kids need mental health care just as much as adults. Our team is here to help, too. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.