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Signs a child may need
mental health support

As parents and caretakers, we do all we can to provide our kids with a happy and stress-free upbringing. But children, like adults, experience mental and emotional ups and downs, with better days than others.

If you’re worried about your child’s mental health, you’re not alone: an estimated 20% of children and young people from 3 to 17 years old in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. There are ways you can help your child, signs you can look for to determine whether professional support may be appropriate, and resources to help ensure that your child receives the right care.

THE IMPACTS OF TODAY'S WORLD

Life is full of experiences that shape our worldview. Events like pandemics, natural disasters, and traumatic episodes can be scary and may impact your child’s mental health. It’s important to do everything we can to help build resilience in our children and promote mental health awareness. Positive involvement in their lives, supporting healthy risk-taking, and demonstrating the value of overcoming obstacles with personal examples are just a few of many ways to help protect young minds.

IDENTIFYING POSSIBLE WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Children of all ages can go through mental health challenges, some as a result of serious hardships in their own lives or the lives of family members. It’s helpful to know the signs of anxiety, depression, and other issues as you determine if your child may need help.

Identifying mental health challenges early can benefit their long-term mental and physical health. Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illness develops by the age of 14, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Download the guide below for signs to look for by age.

FINDING CARE OPTIONS

If you’re looking to support your child’s mental health and find the right care for them, a great first step is to talk to your pediatrician, whose professional advice and familiarity with your child’s development will be beneficial. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts members don’t need referrals to seek therapy, but it’s important to keep your pediatrician updated on external care your child receives.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has a list of different types of therapists who may be able to help your child, depending on the child’s needs. Therapists can evaluate your child’s mental health and talk through techniques that can help, while a psychiatrist can diagnose mental illnesses, and prescribe medication if needed.

Choosing the right therapist

There are several ways you can find the right mental health support for your child:

  • You can ask friends, family members, or your pediatrician for recommendations
  • You can research therapy practices, and make calls to find the right fit
  • Members can sign in to MyBlue to explore personalized in-person and virtual mental health care options that fit their needs, which may include:

Well Connection, which provides your child with virtual therapy from licensed providers anywhere in the United States.

Learn to Live®’, a self-guided program for children age 13 and older that lets them get support at their own pace. They can take a seven-minute assessment, and participate in programs designed to provide support for people dealing with conditions including social anxiety, mild depression, and substance use.

If your child is using self-guided programs, or consulting with a therapist via telehealth, offer them a quiet, private space.

Remember that as children grow and enter their teenage years, mental health can become more complex. You know your child best, so trust your instincts and use available resources to help determine if you and your child should seek professional help.

SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH CARE TOGETHER

You want your child to feel loved and supported. It’s important to show your child that you’re there to listen, provide support, and ease their concerns. Share your own feelings so they see that mental health challenges are normal. Understanding how to support their mental health, and taking the right steps to guide them toward professional care, will lead you and your child toward a healthier and happier life.

Caring for a loved one, especially guiding a child or adolescent through the process of seeking professional help for mental health, can be overwhelming. Be sure to take care of yourself, physically and mentally.