Many of us attribute the current youth mental health crisis with the pandemic. In reality, however, the crisis probably began long before the advent of COVID-19. Studies show that, in the decade before the pandemic, young people were already showing increasing levels of depression, sadness, and hopelessness.
Sometimes, it can be hard to see the signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in young children. Young people do not always have the language or developmental maturity to express their emotions the way adults do. Here are some signs that children between the ages of 7-12 may be experiencing emotional distress:
- Repetitive play. At this age, children often process experiences through play. If you notice your child playing through the same distressing scenario over and over again, it may be a sign that they need help understanding what happened. In this case, play therapy with a licensed, experienced therapist may be a good step to take.
- Lack of focus. When a child’s is mentally metabolizing something difficult, they may not have the mind space to do daily tasks in school or at home. Note that distractibility can also be a sign of neurodiversity and may not always be a result of trauma or distress.
- Lack of memory. Depression can make it difficult to focus, which in turn makes it hard for children to remember things. If children seem to be forgetting things more often than normal, then it may be time to seek professional help.
- Digestive problems. Changes in appetite, an uptick in stomach aches, or repeated gut issues can be a sign of stress. This is particularly true if they begin after a traumatic or distressing incident.
- Sleep changes. Children facing mental health challenges may have difficulty falling asleep, or they may want to sleep all the time. Any major changes in a sleep cycle could be related to mental, rather than physical, health.
- Irritability or aggression. If children suddenly seem more easily annoyed, more temperamental, or more violent than usual, they could be reacting to mental distress.
- Sometimes, stressors can make children retreat into themselves. If you notice that your child is quieter or less forthcoming than usual, it may be because of a mental health issue.
- Stressors sometimes make children feel less sure of themselves. This can manifest as clinging to parents, being unwilling to try new things, or being afraid of situations that previously didn’t phase them.
- Change in activity level. Hyperactivity can, in some circumstances, be a sign of mental health issues. The same is true of a sudden, steep decrease in activity.
It is important to note that many of these symptoms could be signs of neurodiversity and / or issues with physical health. If you feel that your child exhibits one or more of these behaviors, it is essential to get a professional opinion from a pediatrician, psychologist, or other specialist. The list alone is not enough for a self-diagnosis.
