It’s no secret that behavioral and mental health issues are prevalent among children. Conditions like depression, anxiety disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect millions of kids worldwide. While these conditions are normal and not necessarily indicators of mental illness, there are certain behaviors that could signal that something is amiss. Think of these behaviors as “pink flags” – subtle evidence that there may be a developing problem. So, what should you do if you suspect your child is struggling emotionally? Here are some common behaviors to be aware of:
1. Disordered Sleep
Beyond infancy, children should ideally be getting around ten hours of sleep per night. However, if your child is experiencing excessive sleepiness or has irregular sleep patterns, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Children with depression may exhibit excessive sleepiness and be drawn to bed at odd hours of the day. Those with anxiety, ADHD, or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) may struggle to fall asleep and wake up multiple times during the night.
2. Tummy Trouble
While bellyaches are a common complaint among children, persistent stomach pains that cannot be explained by physical causes may have psychological roots. Research has shown a link between chronic gastrointestinal problems in children and anxiety and depression. If your child frequently complains of unexplained stomachaches, it might be worth considering their emotional well-being.
3. Obsessive Thoughts or Fears
In some cases, a child’s thoughts can become so all-consuming that they interfere with their everyday life. This is especially common in children with anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions often revolve around safety and germs, leading to rituals like excessive handwashing. Fears can also disrupt routines, such as a child avoiding outdoor activities due to an extreme fear of bees.
4. Disinterest in Fun
Every child has their own passions and interests, but a child experiencing depression may lose interest in things they used to find exciting. It’s not uncommon for a depressed child to struggle to experience joy or enthusiasm. Dr. Joan Luby, a director at Washington University School of Medicine, explains that a lack of excitement even in activities that were once enjoyable can be a red flag for depression.
5. Guilty Conscience
Children prone to depression may exhibit an overwhelming sense of guilt for minor transgressions. They may require an excessive amount of reassurance to alleviate their feelings of guilt. Recent brain research suggests that guilt-prone children, as well as depressed adults, may have a smaller anterior insula, a brain region associated with guilt. This characteristic could potentially serve as a powerful predictor of future depression.
6. Explosive Anger
Frequent outbursts of anger, accompanied by aggression and destructive behavior, may be indicators of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), depression, or other concerns. Children experiencing abnormal levels of intensity in their tantrums should be carefully evaluated to determine the underlying cause.
7. Dark Thoughts
In the study conducted by Dr. Joan Luby on depressed preschoolers, she discovered that many of them acted out morbid themes during imaginary play. Additionally, even small acts of self-harm can be warning signs. Angie Duray recalls her son Will, who has depression, engaging in self-destructive behavior over a challenging homework assignment. He would berate himself, calling himself names and banging his head on the table. In one instance, he even stabbed his hand with a pencil.
While these behaviors may not be definitive proof of a clinical disorder, they can serve as important pink flags to indicate that further evaluation and support may be needed. If you notice any of these behaviors in your child, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a mental health specialist.
