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9 indicators of children’s mental health
The biggest concern facing parents today isn’t their children’s safety. It’s not the worry that their kids will become addicted to drugs or alcohol, or that they’ll become teenage pregnancies. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late 2022, the biggest concern for American parents today is that their children will experience anxiety or depression.
Two in five parents with children under 18 are “extremely” or “very worried” about their child’s mental health, which comes against a backdrop of a growing children’s mental health crisis.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six children ages two to eight has been diagnosed with a treatable mental illness. In 2019, seven in 10 diagnosed children and adolescents received treatment. The most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses in children, or developmental disorders treated by mental health professionals, are behavioral disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Mayo Clinic advises that parents and other adults who are concerned about their child’s mental health should monitor for changes and record signs and symptoms to share with their health care provider. Northwell Health partnered with Stacker to analyze research and findings from the CDC, various studies and leading medical clinics to identify signs that a child’s mental health may be in good health.
While medical professionals are trained to make actual diagnoses, parents can observe and be alert to certain behaviors. Parents can also look for signs of good mental health in their children. According to the CDC, the ability to show affection, express a positive attitude, and demonstrate resilience in difficult situations are some of the most common signs of good mental health development in children. Health officials track these traits based on an annual survey of parents across the nation.
But there are other signs to watch for as children grow up and navigate an often imperfect world. Recognizing these behaviors can help parents foster a safe, predictable home environment and mentally healthy lifestyle for their children as they grow up.
As you read on, you’ll find some general indicators that children are in good mental health.
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is thinking about suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 for professional help.
Expressions of affection
Parents surveyed by the CDC said most children ages 3 to 5 are able to show affection to their peers, siblings, and parents all or most of the time.
Not all children are naturally as affectionate as parents would expect, and therapists say one way to foster affection in young children is to lead by example by regularly reminding them of it.
Resilience
Children’s resilience is a key indicator of healthy and positive mental development.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, most children who don’t have “ongoing emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems that require treatment or counseling” are usually able to remain calm in difficult situations. The agency’s 2022 National Children’s Health Survey reports that one in three children are diagnosed with specific mental health care needs. Children who don’t build resilience to adversity may have frequent tantrums, cry a lot, or lose control.
A sign of curiosity about the world
Interests and curiosity are the vehicles by which children explore and learn, leading young people to experiences that help them develop deeper emotional capacities and understanding of other people and the world around them.
For children who show less interest in learning new things than children without treatable mental disorders, experts may recommend a care plan that includes therapy, counseling, or both.
Play regularly with parents and friends
Play and interaction are essential for a child’s brain development and therefore mental health. Research shows that play can protect children from the more serious effects of stress and can provide an outlet for stressed parents. But research by child psychologists suggests that parents don’t always have to take part in healthy playtime.
A Florida Atlantic University study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2023 highlighted the importance of allowing children independent play time away from parental supervision and restraint. The same study found that parents’ concerns about their children’s physical safety can have a negative impact on children’s participation in activities that involve some degree of risk, such as tree climbing. Tree climbing not only helps prevent future anxiety about phobias and dealing with emergencies, but it can also boost a child’s self-confidence.
Sleep cycles according to age
Abnormal sleep patterns can be a cause for concern for people of all ages, including children.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children ages 6 to 12 should get nine to 12 hours of sleep a night, while teenagers should get eight to 10. While getting too little sleep could be a sign that you’re struggling with repetitive or intrusive thought patterns that indicate anxiety, it’s important to note that kids can also have trouble sleeping for reasons unrelated to their mental health.
A CDC analysis of a nationwide survey of high school students found that 7 in 10 students believe they don’t get enough sleep during school days.
Demonstrated ability to complete tasks
According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, children who are in good mental health generally have an easier time completing tasks. The vast majority of children without treatable mental illnesses usually or always complete tasks from start to finish, but fewer than half of children with mental illnesses do so.
A child who can’t keep up with their workload may fall behind on their school work, have trouble keeping up with chores around the house, or struggle to finish a book.
Healthy Eating Habits
Diet plays a big role in your overall health, and sticking to a diet can also be a reliable indicator of your mental health.
Children who regularly skip meals may suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, from anxiety to anorexia. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, regularly skipping meals can lead to hypoglycemia, dehydration and other nutritional deficiencies, which can increase anxiety levels in children and adults.
Self-control
Mentally healthy children have learned (or are actively learning) to manage their behaviors, emotions, and thoughts — in other words, they have self-regulation. This skill is developed by most children between the ages of 3 and 7. These children are also susceptible to redirection of unhealthy thinking by a trusted support person, who can help them reframe a problem or emphasize the positive and neutral aspects of an experience.
As children learn to recognize and control their emotions, it’s common for them to develop unhealthy thoughts. Adults can help children regulate themselves by working with them to acknowledge and recognize their emotions, including those that are irrational or cause distress.
Connecting to Support Systems
Mentally healthy children have a healthy support system — a network of people who provide emotional and practical support. This support can come in the form of a combination of parents, teachers, friends, neighbors, relatives, babysitters, and other caregivers. Parents or guardians form the backbone of the support system by setting a healthy example and stepping in with encouraging words when their child strays from healthy habits.
Without healthy support systems, children are at risk of developing unhealthy habits, lacking connection and trust in others, or feeling isolated.
Story editor: Nicole Caldwell. Copy editor: Paris Close.
This story originally appeared on Northwell Health and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
