Mental health is important for people of all ages.
Recognizing symptoms of a mental health disorder early can be an extremely important step toward providing adequate care to someone. This way a child can establish healthy coping mechanisms before negative mental health habits are too deeply ingrained in their day-to-day habits.
Lack of treatment in kids is often unintentional and usually caused by not being able to recognize the symptoms of mental health disorders. The first step to bettering your child’s mental health is to educate yourself so that you can recognize any potential symptoms. This way, you can make sure you are providing your child with anything and everything they need to live a full, beautiful life.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
We understand that it can be difficult to recognize symptoms of a mental health disorder if you are not provided with the proper information. We have assembled this easy-to-digest list of various anxiety and avoidant disorders and the symptoms to look out for in your child’s behaviour. Whether your child is 5 years old or 13, their mental health should be made a priority so they can thrive and feel good about who they are!
Panic Disorders
Panic disorders can be seen in children of any age, however, you will typically see them in teenagers from 13-15 years old. A panic disorder is more common in females than males and manifests itself as a sudden onset of feelings of intense panic, however, no origin for the attack can be identified. Symptoms of a panic disorder include but are not limited to:
- Intense fear or discomfort
- A fear they are going crazy or a sense of unreality
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Choking
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Numbness in fingers and toes
If you believe your child is suffering from a panic disorder, contact us today to set up a consultation and we will get you on the right path.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are equally common among males and females. An anxiety disorder manifests itself in children as young as 3 years old. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include but are not limited to the following:
- Chronically feeling restless or anxious
- Having a sense of impending danger
- Increased heart rate
- Hyperventilation
- Trembling
- Feeling weary or tired
- Trouble focusing on anything besides the trigger of your anxiety
There is no shame in having anxiety. Everybody has their own things to deal with, and it doesn’t mean your child cannot live the exact same quality of life as any other child. Help eliminate the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders and take the first steps to ensure your child is living the best possible life.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
People who suffer from avoidant personality disorder suffer from feelings of inadequacy, nervousness and fear, and will go out of their way to avoid interacting with their peers in a social setting out of a fear of being rejected. They fear they are being judged by everybody. Some symptoms of avoidant personality disorder include but are not limited to:
- Over-sensitive and easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
- Very few if any close friends
- Experience extreme anxiety in social settings particularly
- Tend to exaggerate potential problems
- Rarely try anything new
- Have a poor self-image
Avoidant personality disorder can be dealt with through a series of mental and physical exercises we teach our patients to help them ground themselves and enjoy the moment. If you believe your child could benefit from learning and practicing these exercises, reach out to us today to get started!
Waystone – We Make Your Children’s Mental Health Our Priority
Our team of passionate, certified professionals is dedicated to providing nothing but the highest quality care for your children’s mental health. We have developed techniques that help ensure our sessions with your little ones are incredibly effective. Our goal is to provide your child and yourself with the tools to cope with a mental health disorder in a healthy way that doesn’t have long-term effects.
Contact us today to take the first step!