Children and youth mental health

The early years of your child’s life can lay the groundwork for good mental health. Creating a safe, loving environment is one of the best things you can do.²

• Some signs to watch for: Very young children are learning how to express their emotions. Crying or tantrums may be a sign they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Offer calm reassurance and help your child talk through their feelings.²
• Ways to support your child: Spend quality time together playing, cuddling, talking and singing. Nurture curiosity and exploration. As your child reaches preschool age, encourage social interactions and set clear behavioral boundaries and expectations.²

Young kids can face a lot of stress — from everyday challenges with friends to family changes like divorce, a move or a new sibling. They may experience depression or anxiety, but not know how to express what they’re feeling.

• Some signs to watch for: Elementary-age children experiencing stress may cry easily, become irritable or angry, or have behavioral outbursts.³ Kids struggling with anxiety are often very afraid of certain things or situations and may have physical symptoms like stomachaches.⁴ Persistent sadness and hopelessness, or changes in mood, behavior, sleep or eating habits could be a sign of depression.⁴ If your child is being bullied, they may also experience similar symptoms.
• Ways to support your child: Communication is key. Ask your child how they’re feeling and be there to listen. Make sure they know they’re not in trouble and reassure them that you’re there in whatever way they need. Consider setting up regular check-ins, like a weekly lunch.⁵ If you think professional help is needed, reviewing your health plan’s mental health benefits is a good place to start. You may also want to reach out to your child’s teacher to see what school support may be available.

It’s important to note that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually diagnosed in childhood, too. Symptoms may include talking too much, fidgeting or squirming a lot, forgetting or losing things often, having trouble resisting temptation and difficulty getting along with others. Talk to your doctor if you think your child may have ADHD. There’s no single childhood ADHD test, so a diagnosis usually follows a multi-step process.⁶

Children begin creating social and emotional habits that may affect their long-term mental health and well-being during the adolescent years. So, it’s not surprising that many teenagers may begin to experience mental health struggles.⁷ In fact, half of mental health conditions start by age 14.¹

• Some signs to watch for: As your teenager develops, they typically become more independent and get more exposure to things like social media and peer pressure. Risk-taking behaviors also typically increase during this time.⁷ If you’re noticing personality changes, disruptions to daily interactions and relationships, excessive worrying or sleep problems, your child could be struggling with their mental health.⁸
• Ways to support your child: When kids feel safe, not judged, progress and growth often follow. Starting mental health conversations with honesty and empathy may encourage your child to open up. Ask your teen how they’re doing and take their feelings seriously. These conversation starters can help you keep the discussion going.

As your child enters their young adult years, they often experience a lot of personal growth and change. Starting college or a career, exploring serious relationships or leaving home can be exciting, but may also make some young adults feel stressed or overwhelmed.⁹

• Some signs to watch for: At this age, you may not have as much insight into your child’s day-to-day life. But you can still keep an eye out for red flags that may signal a mental health issue. Prolonged changes in mood, personality, sleep habits or eating habits can be signs. Or if your child is withdrawing from you or other relationships. This can also be a time when substance use disorder can develop.¹⁰
• Ways to support your child: While your child may be more independent and focused on building their own life, knowing they can count on you for support can help them feel more secure. Make time to connect regularly and communicate with sensitivity, empathy and patience. If you have a concern you want to bring up, start with lighter topics first. This may help you ease into a deeper conversation.¹¹