{"id":1439,"date":"2025-05-15T20:32:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T20:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/?p=1439"},"modified":"2025-05-15T20:39:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T20:39:06","slug":"mental-health-matters-supporting-childrens-mental-wellness-during-mental-health-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/mental-health-matters-supporting-childrens-mental-wellness-during-mental-health-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health Matters: Supporting Children&#8217;s Mental Wellness During Mental Health Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">May is <\/span><b>Mental Health Awareness Month<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a vital time to recognize the emotional well-being of children and teens. Mental health struggles can begin at any age, and early recognition and support are essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Why Children\u2019s Mental Health Matters<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to the CDC, up to 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder each year. Yet, many go undiagnosed and untreated. Mental health influences how children think, feel, and act. It impacts how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/childrensmentalhealth\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CDC &#8211; Children&#8217;s Mental Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ages 2\u20135: Toddlers &amp; Preschoolers<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Common Mental Health Concerns:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Separation anxiety \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can be a normal part of development for children between ages 2 and 5, often manifesting as distress when separated from their primary caregiver.\u00a0It&#8217;s typically seen in toddlers and preschoolers and can be triggered by changes in routine, new environments, or even feeling ill.\u00a0While normal, persistent or intense separation anxiety can be a sign of Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and may require professional help.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Developmental delays<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> affecting communication or social interaction (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Temper dysregulation &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tantrums are normal and common, especially as children develop their emotional regulation skills.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is different than Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is not typically diagnosed before age 6. DMDD is characterized by chronic, intense irritability and frequent anger outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation and occur several times per week for at least 12 months.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Early signs of <\/span><b>trauma-related disorders <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">such as frequent crying, difficulty concentrating, regressive behaviors, and fear of separation from parents.\u00a0Children may also exhibit nightmares, sleep problems, and difficulty regulating emotions, along with physical symptoms like stomach aches.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Warning Signs to Watch For:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequent, intense tantrums beyond typical toddler behavior<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Delayed speech or social development<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Excessive fearfulness or clinginess<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Withdrawal from caregivers or peers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How Parents Can Help:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Establish consistent routines:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Predictability helps children feel safe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Use play as communication:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Play therapy is often effective for this age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Name and validate emotions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Labeling feelings (\u201cYou\u2019re sad because we left the park\u201d) helps children learn emotional regulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Seek early evaluation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> If developmental or emotional concerns arise, consult your pediatrician or a child psychologist. Early intervention services may be available. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zerotothree.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zero to Three<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Ages 6\u201312: Elementary-Aged Children<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Common Mental Health Concerns:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Anxiety disorders<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (social anxiety, generalized anxiety)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>ADHD<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Behavioral disorders<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Depression<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Warning Signs to Watch For:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequent headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Difficulty focusing in school or following directions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low self-esteem or self-criticism<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoidance of school, friends, or previously enjoyed activities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How Parents Can Help:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Foster open communication:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ask open-ended questions like, \u201cWhat was something hard about today?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Build structure and responsibility:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Chores, routines, and goals build confidence and predictability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Encourage physical activity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Exercise improves mood and reduces anxiety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Partner with schools:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Work with teachers and counselors to monitor your child\u2019s behavior and academic performance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Seek counseling:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective for anxiety and depression in this age group. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacap.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">American Academy of Child &amp; Adolescent Psychiatry<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Ages 13\u201318: Teenagers<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Common Mental Health Concerns:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Depression and anxiety<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Eating disorders<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Self-harm<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Substance use<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Risk of suicide<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/your-journey\/kids-teens-and-young-adults\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">NAMI &#8211; Teens &amp; Young Adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning Signs to Watch For:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Persistent irritability or mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Decline in academic performance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Isolation from friends or family<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Risk-taking behaviors or substance use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Comments about hopelessness or self-harm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How Parents Can Help:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Normalize mental health conversations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Let them know it\u2019s okay to struggle and seek help.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Watch social media use:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Monitor their online interactions and screen time without being invasive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Respect independence while staying connected:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ask questions without judgment and be present.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Know when to intervene:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> If there are signs of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse, contact a mental health professional immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In crisis situations, call or text the <\/span><b>Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline at 988<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or use the <\/span><b>Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>All Ages: How Parents Can Support Overall Mental Health<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Regardless of your child\u2019s age, these universal strategies can help promote mental wellness:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Model healthy coping strategies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Children often mimic how adults handle stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Be consistent yet flexible:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Set boundaries with love and understanding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote self-expression:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Encourage journaling, music, sports, or creative outlets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Stay informed:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Visit reliable mental health websites and talk to professionals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Helpful Resources<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/recognizing-mental-health-problems-in-children\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mental Health America &#8211; Recognizing Mental Health Problems in Children<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/namipbc.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">NAMI &#8211; Kids and Teens<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/mental-health\/children-and-families\/coping-resources\/caregiver\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SAMHSA &#8211; For Parents and Caregivers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/childrensmentalhealth\/data.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CDC &#8211; Mental Health in Children<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Children are resilient, but they also need our support. By understanding age-specific mental health concerns and creating open, loving, and structured environments, parents can foster emotional strength that lasts a lifetime. <\/span><b>Mental health is just as important as physical health<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and recognizing that early can make all the difference.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital time to recognize the emotional well-being of children and teens. Mental health<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":1440,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1439"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1439\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/bergman-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}