How to Recognise and Support Mental Health Issues in Children

A child’s mental health can impact every aspect of their life. Having an unrecognised mental health problem can be a silent roadblock holding them back from complete development into adulthood.

As adults, we may not always know how the signs of mental health problems manifest in children. Yet mental health issues in children are more common than many realise. A report from the NHS shows as many as one in five young people in England have a probable mental disorder.

Within this blog, we can help you learn to recognise early signs of mental health issues in children, as well as give tips on opening communication with your child about their mental health.

What are the most common mental health issues in children?

Children can experience the same mental health conditions as adults, but their symptoms often present in different ways. Some of the most common mental health issues in children include:

• Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders in children appear as overwhelming fears that stop them from being able to enjoy play, school, or extra-curricular activities. These can include social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD struggle with attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or a combination of these behaviours beyond what’s typical for their age.
• Autism spectrum disorder: The NHS Healthy London Partnership data (pg. 3) shows that diagnoses are on the rise, and an estimated 10% of all children in the UK have autism. Children with ASD face challenges in communication, and 25–35% of those with level-3 autism are nonverbal.
• Depressive disorders: Children with depressive disorders experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and irritability. A depressive disorder can cause social withdrawal, sleep and appetite disturbances and difficulty enjoying activities they once loved.
• Eating disorders: 2023 data from the Children’s Commissioner for England shows that the amount of young people with eating disorders is on the rise. Disorders such as bulimia, anorexia nervosa and binge eating plague the relationships children have with food and can lead to further mental health issues as they develop into adulthood.

Why recognising a child’s mental health is so important

Recognising the signs of mental health struggles in children is essential, yet not all issues have visible symptoms. Sometimes, young people can find it more difficult than adults to reach out for help.

Children often try to hide their feelings from adults for multiple reasons. According to the Mental Health and Camelot Foundation, some of these reasons may include:

• They worry an adult won’t take their troubles seriously or believe an adult won’t understand
• They’ve had negative experiences when bringing up their feelings with adults in the past
• They convince themselves that they’re beyond help
• They’re scared of being dismissed, called an attention seeker, or labelled as “crazy”

Children and young people don’t always have the language or experience to communicate exactly how they feel. Helping children identify their feelings more precisely can help parents and healthcare professionals work toward improving their lives. Without this recognition, mental health issues can make a child more likely to suffer from severe physical and mental problems in adulthood.

How can I recognise the signs of mental health issues in children?

Most parents understand when their child behaves in a way that generates a response from them. Children often go through major mood swings and temper tantrums as they grow, with major ups and downs. However, sometimes, children don’t “bounce back” from the downs, which can majorly affect other aspects of their lives. This is often a sign that a child is suffering from a mental health issue.

There can be physical, mental, or social signs that a child is suffering. Below, we’ve listed some of the common signs. If you notice your child showing these signs for more than a few weeks, it can become important to talk with them about the issue and to seek professional help. These signs include:

If you notice one or many of the listed signs in your child, you should encourage them to talk with you about their feelings and emotions. Starting the conversation, or letting them know the path of communication is open, helps them navigate the troubles they’re going through.

How to talk with different age groups about mental health problems

Recognising mental health issues is the first step, but effective communication varies by age as children respond differently at each stage of development. Here, we’ve listed tips in age-appropriate groups to help:

Preschoolers (ages 3-5)

At this age, children thrive on imaginative play. Use storytelling or toys to help them express emotions like sadness or anger. Dolls and action figures can embody and demonstrate emotions. Use suggestive cues like “Can you show me what makes you happy or scared using your toys?”

Early school age (ages 6-8)

In the early school age, children are starting to understand more complex emotions like jealousy and nervousness. They may not have precise language to express them, so age-appropriate books about sharing complex emotions can help. A surprisingly powerful book for this is “Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day” by Jamie Lee Curtis. It helps children get to grips with their shifting moods and helps them verbalise new feelings.

Middle and primary schoolers (ages 9-12)

During the ages of middle childhood, children can handle some deeper conversations about mental health. An approach like “Have you ever felt really nervous about something? We can talk about it together.” The years leading up to the teenage stage are crucial for normalising talking about feelings and mental health. A physical tip to introduce that helps with controlling stress is breathing exercises which you can practice together.

Teenagers (ages 13+)

The teenage years are usually the most tumultuous times in the parent-child relationship. Your teenager might come home from school with a completely new worldview or personal value that blows you away. It’s critical to keep discussions open about mental health at this age. Encourage them to express openly the way they’re feeling, even if new feelings make them feel a little disturbed. Let them know it’s okay to talk to others, not just you. A helpful cue could be, “It’s important to talk with someone if you feel overwhelmed. I know a person/group called … who can help with…”

Getting help and finding support

Recognising mental health issues in children can be challenging without professional guidance, but early intervention is crucial. Left unaddressed, these issues may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms in adulthood.

At UKAT, we take a holistic approach to addiction treatment, understanding the deep connection between mental health and addiction. If you or a young loved one is looking for advice or support with mental health, we have useful resources available to you.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to us today for help toward a brighter, healthier future.