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| | Mental Health Problems
Indicators of Potential Child Mental Health Issues
A child’s behavior can cause concern for many reasons. Not all children grow from infancy through their adolescent years without experiencing bumps along the way. While every child is unique and special, sometimes they encounter problems with feelings or behaviors that cause disruption in their lives and the lives of those around them. It can be difficult to tell the difference between normal developmental stages, which are temporarily disruptive, and more serious emotional disturbances.
Caregivers and parents must seek the information they need to help children grow and develop in a positive manner. Research confirms that getting help in the early stages of a mental health problem can prevent the problem from getting worse.
Below you will find general indicators of mental health problems as well as age specific indicators.
The general indicators can be seen at any time in development and should be addressed. The age specific indicators are common concerns that surface for many youth who are having more serious challenges or stresses at a particular developmental stage.
Age Specific Indicators of Potential Mental Health Problems
General Indicators of Mental Health Problems
A child exhibiting one or more of these behaviors may benefit from a consultation with a mental health professional, please contact any of our offices for help.
| Acting Out Behaviors |
Withdrawing Behaviors |
Defensive Behaviors |
Disorganized Behaviors |
| Self abuse |
Fears |
Lying |
Out of touch with reality |
| Aggression |
Depression |
Cheating |
Seeing or hearing things that aren't there |
| Violent |
Anxiety |
Manipulating others |
Multiple personalities |
| Disruptive |
Refusing to talk |
Avoiding others |
Disconnected thinking or acting |
| Cruelty |
Acting younger than actual age |
Refusing to be social |
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Age Specific Indicators of Potential Mental Health Problems
Parents should also review the age specific behaviors that are indicative of mental health concerns. When a child behaves in unusual ways, it is difficult to distinguish between normal reactions and mental health concerns. This developmental checklist for various age groups is helpful in detecting potential mental health concerns
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| Infants (0-12 months) |
| Jumpy or jittery, over-reacting to noise, touch or light |
| Does not notice when touched or when things are going on nearby |
| Excessive fussing or crying, inability to be soothed or comforted |
| Not gaining weight (not due to physical problem) |
| Lack of harmony between parent and child |
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| Toddlers (1-3 years) |
| Delays of at least six months in walking, talking, social, or other behavior |
| Excessive hand-waving or hand-clapping |
| Self-destructive behavior, such as biting or head banging |
| Aggressive behavior directed at other people or things |
| Unable to become connected to people who take care of the child |
| Overly dependent or overly obedient |
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| Preschoolers and Kindergartners (4-6 years) |
| Anxious or fearful, depressed mood, total lack of interest in or withdrawing from other people |
| Unable to separate from parents |
| Lack of confidence which keeps the child from having fun |
| Unable to control his/her own behavior |
| Aggressive behavior |
| Refusal to comply with rules and expectations |
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| School-Age Children (7-12 years) |
| Depressed mood, loss of interest in activities and relationships |
| Trouble sleeping or difficulty with eating |
| Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, suicidal talk or action |
| Continued resistance to attending school |
| Headaches or stomach aches that keep occurring but don’t seem to have a cause |
| Easily distracted or unable to pay attention |
| Poor school work, including being very behind in reading or math |
| Acting out sexual behaviors that are inappropriate for the child’s age |
| Sexual or physical aggression |
| Constant refusal to comply with rules at home or school |
| Truancy, chemical abuse, running away |
| Eating disorder, unusual eating patterns |
| Inability to develop values, morals, relationships, or educational goals |
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| Adolescents (13-19 years) |
| Depressed mood, loss of interest in activities and relationships |
| Trouble sleeping or difficulty with eating |
| Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, suicidal talk or action |
| Declining school performance or attendance |
| Sexual intrusiveness or promiscuity |
| Chronic resistance to complying with rules at home or school |
| Truancy, chemical abuse, running away |
| Eating disorder, unusual eating patterns |
| Conflicts around personal identity, such as values, morality, relationships, sexuality, vocational, or educational goals | |
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