As a parent, it can be hard to know if your child is experiencing a mental health condition – no matter how young or old they might be. While this may seem overwhelming or scary, know that you are not alone, and that mental illness is treatable. Learning as much as you can about mental health will benefit both you and your family members.

With some help from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website, we’ve put together a short list of symptoms to look out for in young children and adolescents. Please visit the NAMI website for a more in-depth, comprehensive list. 

Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition in Children and Adolescents

  • Excessive worry or anxiety
  • Changes in school performance
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Frequent disobedience or aggression
  • Feeling extremely sad or low
  • Troubles and problems learning in school
  • Avoiding friends and social activities
  • Thoughts of suicide

If you suspect that your child may be experiencing anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, please don’t hesitate to seek out professional help. It’s important to meet with a health care professional before self-diagnosing your child. Professionals have the knowledge and expertise to help identify your child’s possible mental health condition.

Healthcare providers, like our professionals at Zumbro Valley Health Center, can provide a comprehensive mental health assessment to help diagnose your child. After a diagnosis is determined, our professionals will work closely with you and your child to develop a treatment plan catered specifically to your child’s needs and situation. Their treatment plan could involve therapy with a counselor, medication, lifestyle changes, and more.

Here at Zumbro Valley Health Center, our kind and considerate staff are specially trained to support children and their families. We will work one-on-one with your child to help them manage their mental health. Call us at 507.289.2089 to get started or check out our Youth Family and Services page to learn more about the services we offer.