The mental health of our children is a natural and important concern for us all. The fact is many mental disorders have their beginnings in childhood or adolescence yet may go undiagnosed and untreated for years.
Here are some signs that your child may be emotionally disturbed:
Changes in behavior
This could include changes in mood, personality, or social interactions. For example, your child may become withdrawn, aggressive, or start acting out.
Changes in school performance
Your child may start having difficulty paying attention in class, completing assignments, or making friends.
Changes in physical health
Your child may start complaining of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical problems that don’t seem to have a medical cause.
Changes in sleep or eating habits
Your child may start sleeping more or less than usual, or they may start eating more or less than usual.
Changes in thoughts or feelings
Your child may start having thoughts of death or suicide, or they may start feeling hopeless or worthless.
Changes in behaviour at home
Your child may start arguing with you more often, refusing to follow your rules, or getting into more trouble at home.
Some additional signs that may indicate an emotional disturbance in a child:
*Feeling sad, anxious, or angry most of the time
* Having difficulty controlling emotions
*Withdrawing from social activities
*Having trouble sleeping or eating
* Having thoughts of hurting themselves or others
*Engaging in risky or destructive behaviours