What Are the Signs That My Child Should See a Psychiatrist?

Kids go through struggles like adults, and they often need to talk to someone other than you. Keep reading to learn the signs your child is struggling and needs to speak to a mental health professional to avoid a downward spiral in their health.

Being a kid today is more complicated than ever; social media and the latest trends make it hard to keep up with others, causing some kids to lose self-esteem and become depressed.

Kids are resilient and can get through a lot, but they can't always do it alone. Even though you're the parent, sometimes your children need a neutral party with whom they can openly discuss their feelings and emotions.

Child psychiatry is just one of the many therapies we offer at Source 23 Psychiatry in Columbus, Ohio. Kimberly Gilbert, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health.

Kimberly provides child psychiatry, addresses the root concerns of your child's feelings, and offers customized care to ensure your child's safety and security.

Common mental health issues in kids

Mental health problems are growing worldwide, but they don't just affect adults. We are seeing more and more children with mental health disorders, making it difficult for them to enjoy being kids.

Mental health awareness is on the rise for various reasons, including social media and television. Kids today don't know anything different than what's on the internet and TV, making it hard to enjoy just being a child.

Many of the same mental health concerns affect children as they do adults. Common mental health issues in kids include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• ADHD
• Autism
• Eating disorders
• PTSD
• Phobias
• Bipolar disorder

It may take longer for a child to develop symptoms related to a mental health problem because they might try to hide their feelings. However, it's crucial to watch your child's behaviors because noticing a change early on could save their life.

Signs of a mental health problem

Just like adults, kids go through good and bad days, and not every temper tantrum is a sign of a bigger problem. However, noticing signs or behaviors that continue and seem to get worse over days to weeks could signal your child needs to talk to a psychiatrist.

But what are those signs? The following behaviors and symptoms are a good indication your child is dealing with a more extensive mental health issue and needs professional help:

Noticeable sadness

Being sad over the loss of a football game or not getting something they want is different than the sadness related to depression. You may notice your child crying frequently or losing interest in usual activities along with sadness, which should signal you to seek help immediately.

Constant worry

Kids shouldn't be worried about everything every moment of the day; if they do, your child might be dealing with an anxiety disorder. Talking to a psychiatrist helps them understand their worry and how to manage it effectively.

Changes in appetite or sleep

Changes in how your child eats can signal an eating disorder, depression, or anxiety. Paired with sleeping too much or not enough, appetite changes signal your child may have a mental health disorder.

Destructive behavior

Any destructive behavior to themselves or others is an immediate sign your child needs help. Some of the destructive behaviors you may notice include cutting themselves or engaging in other forms of self-harm, and abusing drugs or alcohol.

Physical complaints

Kids dealing with mental health issues often complain about physical ailments that don't disappear. For instance, if your child complains of frequent tummy aches or headaches that don't improve with treatment, they may have a mental health problem.

Social isolation

Kids are inherently social — getting together with friends and having sleepovers. However, if you notice your child withdrawing from their peers or deleting social media accounts, it could be a sign they're struggling with their mental health.

What treatment options are available?

When you bring in your child for an evaluation, we provide a caring and safe environment for you and your child to speak freely.

Kimberly talks to you and your child about what's going on, including discussing relevant symptoms, their medical history, and current medications.

She then performs a physical exam and talks to your child alone, allowing them to open up about their feelings and thoughts.

Kimberly is highly trained in helping children through difficult times, situations, and mental health problems. She offers psychotherapy and medications to stabilize your child's mood and teach them how to change their thoughts and behaviors to improve their emotions.

To schedule an appointment for your child today, call Source 23 Psychiatry at 614-908-2721 or request your virtual appointment on the website.