Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, manage your feelings, and behave. Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions that cause distress and problems getting through the day. Among the more common mental disorders that can be diagnosed in childhood are Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety, and behavior disorders, such as Oppositional Defiance Disorders (ODD).

A CDC study examined mental health symptoms in four different U.S. school districts during 2014–2018. The results showed that about 1 in 6 students had enough behavioral or emotional symptoms and impairment to be diagnosed with a childhood mental disorder; rates varied among the different sites. (Danielson, et al, 2020)

Parents and caregivers may look for changes in their youth such as withdrawal, isolation, disconnection, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of hopelessness, sadness that lasts longer than 2 weeks, risk-taking behaviors, changes in school grades, changes in appetite, and sleeping patterns.

Schools may consider increasing mental health literacy, consider screening students for mental health concerns, and providing effective prevention services such as school-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and training administration, teachers, and staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid while creating a system of care with referrals and treatment services.

Primary care providers may consider using a collaborative care approach integrating pediatric, family medicine, psychiatric services, and mental health supports. Public health systems may evaluate, monitor, and disseminate mental health data to examine behavioral health changes over time in children.

If a child is having thoughts of suicide, mental health crises, or emotional distress over time, the 988 is a universal access point to mental health supports. Children, caregivers, and professionals may call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one.

Danielson, M. L., Bitsko, R. H., Holbrook, J. R., Charania, S. N., Claussen, A. H., PhD; McKeown, R. E., Cuffe, S. P., Owens, J. S., Evans, S. W., Kubicek, L., & Flory, K. (2020). Community-based prevalence of externalizing and internalizing disorders among school-aged children and adolescents in four geographically dispersed school districts in the United States. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. Published online July 31, 2020.