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Does Your Child Need Psychiatric Care? Subtle Signs To Watch For

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One of the biggest challenges for parents is recognizing when their children need mental health services. Parents often overlook the more subtle indications of problems because they aren't aware of what they mean. If you want to ensure that you get your child the psychiatric care that they need as soon as possible, here are a few of the more subtle things that you need to watch for. 

Fear Affecting Daily Life

If your child has developed fears, whether rational or otherwise, that have consumed their daily life, preventing them from doing normal activities, that's a key indication that they could benefit from psychiatric services. These medical professionals are trained to help individuals manage their fears and anxieties, and can prescribe medications when necessary to make this easier.

Sudden Mood, Behavior, Or Personality Changes

Adolescence is a time of emotional upheaval, hormonal changes, and peer pressure that can feel overwhelming at best. This combination can often be the catalyst for mental health challenges in teens, and one of the earliest indications of those problems is a marked shift in your teenager's mood, personality, or behavior. If you're seeing unexplained changes that have come on rapidly, there's a good chance that something's going on, whether it's bullying behaviors or mental health issues. Be proactive to help your child address those challenges.

Trouble With Concentration

If schoolwork has become all-but impossible, your child seems distracted and scattered more often than not, or it seems like they're just going through the routine and not really absorbing anything, those are indications of challenges with mental health and well-being. A psychiatric specialist can help you get to the root of the issue and treat it so that your child is able to be productive and engaging again.

Changes In Eating Habits

Mental illness can also contribute to struggles with eating habits, whether it's executive functioning or self-perception that drives it. These struggles can take many forms, including not eating and avoiding food, binge eating, or even a physical inability to keep food down. Many people don't realize that many forms of mental illness can also manifest physical symptoms, so your child's stomach and digestive issues may actually be a mental health concern, not a physical one.

These are just a few of the more subtle indications of mental health issues. Reach out to a local psychiatrist today for more guidance about how to help your teen navigate this challenging period in life.


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