This disorder can result in excessive and unhealthy weight loss, malnutrition or nutritional impairment. This disorder is not characterized by the obsession with body shape or weight, but rather is the disinterest and avoidance of certain foods. Additionally, individuals may refuse to eat out of fear of becoming sick or the fear of choking on food. While children can develop some of the same conditions as adults, such as anxiety, depression and OCD, there are also several mental health disorders that specifically develop during childhood.Īvoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)ĪRFID is an eating disorder characterized by the persistence refusal to eat specific foods or refusal to eat any type of food due to a negative response to the color, texture or smell of certain foods. Let a professional make that distinction - especially as half of all mental health disorders begin before age 14. If a child is showing any of these signs, don’t assume it’s just a phase or a part of childhood. Extreme excitability for long periods of time.Drastic changes in behavior or personality.Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities.Severe, out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others.Fighting or having a desire to harm others.Racing heartbeat, headaches or belly aches.Feelings of sadness for two or more weeks.Whether your child has been through a traumatic event or not, it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs that they may be struggling with a mental health disorder: Aside from therapy, your child may need special attention in school and it may be wise to inform school counselors and teachers about your child’s history. As a parent or guardian, you can also be a part of this healing process by going to family therapy sessions. If your child has experienced trauma, it is imperative that they go to therapy that focuses on this past trauma. Untreated or unresolved trauma can result in mental health problems that can present in childhood or later in life. Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves an individual feeling overwhelmed and isolated can be traumatic, even if it doesn’t involve physical harm.Ĭommonly overlooked causes of emotional and psychological trauma include the loss of a loved one, a recent surgery, changing schools, a divorce, a big move or a deeply disappointing experience. Emotional and psychological trauma are the result of extraordinarily stressful events that shattered your child’s sense of security, making them feel helpless in a dangerous world. In addition to genetics, trauma is a major player in the development of mental health conditions in childhood. While abnormal behavior could just be normal aspects of childhood or a phase of growth or puberty - it could also be a mental health disorder. With that in mind, it’s important to play close attention to a child’s mental health. Studies show that 7.7 million youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year-that’s one out of every six children in the U.S. But unfortunately, genetics, society and trauma all play a major role in the development of mental health conditions, and children are not exempt. We love them, raise them, teach them, laugh with them, play with them and nurse them back to health.Īs protectors, we want to do everything we can to keep our little ones happy and healthy. Whether you are a parent, teacher, grandparent, aunt or uncle, our children are often our greatest pride and joy.
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