Warning signs for mental illness in children and teens
Children and teens can experience a wide range of emotions. Pay attention to the following signs that show that something may be wrong:
- Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
- Avoiding school or poor school performance
- Returning to behaviours they have outgrown
- Difficulty paying attention and concentrating
- Excessive worrying or sadness
- Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
- Irritability and acting out behaviours in teens
- Avoiding activities they normally enjoy
- Having unexplained headaches or body pain
- Using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
Support your child or teen
Talk with your child or teen
- Help them understand what it is or what they should be doing
- Answer any questions they may have
Be a role model
Children and teens will follow your example:
Show them good habits, such as:
– Taking breaks
– Getting enough sleep and exercise
– Eating well
– Spending less time on social media
Limit your family’s exposure to media
- Set a schedule for news and media
- Limit consumption to a comfortable amount
- Help your children to understand the news
Create a daily schedule or routine
- Create a daily schedule of activities you can do as a family, including:
- Learning activities
- Fun activities
- Exercises
- If schools are closed, define learning time and educational
- activities in the holidays
Reassure them that they are safe
- Let them know that it’s okay to be worried or afraid
- Share how you deal with your own stress so they can cope
- with the situation
- Answer any questions they may have
Connect with family and friends
- Connect your child or teen to family and friends.
- Video calling is a great way to do this.
