How to Recognize Signs of Mental Illness in Children and Adolescents
Q&A with a Registered Social Worker
Image by: Annie Spratt on Unsplash
This week, we interviewed our Peachey Counselling and Family Support team member, Registered Social Worker, Kate Brockbank, about how to recognize signs of mental illness in children and adolescents.
Q: What is mental illness? How is it different from developmental stages or behavioural issues?
A: The Mayo Clinic defines mental illness as “a wide range of mental health conditions.” It is an umbrella term for many of the different mental illness that a person may develop. For example, mental illness could include disorders that affect your mood, such as depression and bi-polar disorders, or even other disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.
I think of mental illness as pervasive patterns of behaviors, thoughts, and functioning. Mental illness can distort a child’s perception of reality, how they handle conflict, how they deal with their emotions and; emotional responses, and the type of interactions they have with peers and adults. Persistent and recurring negative behaviors can indicate when a child may be on the pathway to developing a mental health concern. When this negative behavior becomes consistent, stronger, and inhibits their ability to interact with people and maintain relationships, it could be a cause for worry. Realistically, with the right strategies in place, a child’s behavior should be able to be modified over a reasonable amount of time, and with beneficial reinforcement. Mental illness can inhibit or postpone this process.
Q: What are some common mental health disorders in childhood?
A: Anxiety
Having anxiety is a normal part of human life. However, the point where it switches over to being a disorder is when anxiety becomes so pervasive and regular that it affects an individual’s ability to function effectively. Anxiety disorders could include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), panic disorder, or separation anxiety disorder.
I would say that anxiety is the most common in children (to varying degrees), especially with the impact that COVID is taking on our lives. In children, anxiety can arise from major life changes, phobias or fears, the separation or divorce of parents, and bullying (to name some common causes).
A lot of times I see parents who do not necessarily want to label their child as “anxious” or “having anxiety.” However, I think it is important to note that anxiety is a common human characteristic and can ebb and flow in intensity as your child matures.
ADHD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic condition that usually manifests in childhood and continues into adulthood. This mental illness is characterized by excessive hyperactivity in children, poor concentration and attention, as well as impulsive behaviors. Children with ADHD may struggle with developing a concrete sense of self-esteem and may have trouble maintaining or forming relationships.
Currently, we have seen an influx of parents looking for support for their child who have ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are, or course, made worse with the presence of online learning and lockdowns.
Eating Disorders
This is also an umbrella term for many of the serious disorders that young individuals or adults can develop surrounding food and unhealthy eating behaviors. Eating disorders can impact important areas of an individual’s life, such as how they function emotionally, their social behaviors, and their ability to function normally. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
One thing I would like to mention about eating disorders is that they are becoming present in children at younger and younger ages. Although ED’s usually manifest in adolescents and teenagers, it seems that the age of onset is becoming lower as time moves on.
Q: What are the warning signs of mental illness in children?
A: Some red flags to watch for in children can include the following…
Drastic changes in behavior/functioning
Panic attacks
Aggression or oppositional behaviors
Emotional under-regulation
Low mood/depressive symptoms
Lack of motivation
Loss of enjoyment (could be the result of social isolation)
Q: What should I do if I suspect my child has a mental health condition?
A: Always seek professional support. Take you child first to their General Practitioner (GP), or Pediatrician if you suspect that they are struggling with any form of mental illness. As much as you can, try to identify what might be causing the behavior. For example, if your child has an angry outburst at the grocery store, you may attribute it to their response to you not buying them their favourite candy. On the other hand, if you child has the same intensity (or worse) angry outburst at home (with seemingly no provocation), then there may be an underlying issue. If this behavior is repeated often, this is a further indication that you may need to find outside help. It is important for parents to understand the function of their child’s behavior.
With adolescents, mental illness can look a bit different. It’s becoming particularly common for adolescents to use language like “I’m anxious” or “I think I’m having a panic attack” in settings where saying this will allow them to be exempt from participating in an activity they don’t enjoy (i.e. in school). Its vital that parents can differentiate between real symptomology in their children versus young people using anxious verbiage to their advantage.
Q: How is mental illness in children treated?
A: Treatments for mental illnesses can fall into two categories: psychological treatments and physiological treatments. The latter refers to taking medication to relieve the symptoms of mental illness (i.e., anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, Adderall).
It is in the psychological treatments where therapists can help. With children and adolescents, therapists can provide psychological interventions, as well as help to develop coping strategies for living with mental illness. Therapists often work in conjunction with the whole family, so that parents and guardians can also develop the appropriate skills to best support their children at home. Therapists can help to set helpful ground rules, negotiate conflict, and open positive conversations about mental health in families.
Q: When is it time to see a professional?
A: If you have seen a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist who has identified your child as having a mental illness, therapy can be a beneficial avenue to relieving negative symptoms. As I have mentioned, therapists can provide your child with the appropriate coping strategies to combat the more pervasive symptoms of their illness. If you suspect that your child may have trouble functioning, it is always beneficial to seek help from a professional such as a doctor or therapist. It is never too early to provide your child with the support they need!
Whatever it is, we’re here for you.
Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And, sometimes love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.
SOURCES:
Mayo Clinic - Mental Illness Symptoms and Causes
Mayo Clinic - Anxiety Disorders Symptoms and Causes
Mayo Clinic - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children Symptoms and Causes
Mayo Clinic - Eating Disorders Symptoms and Causes
