Our Services / Mental Health

What mental health issues do children experience?

When many people hear the term “mental health” they immediately assume the term is being used in a negative context. In reality, mental health is a fluid and dynamic aspect of your child’s overall health and wellness. 

Kids reach mental health and developmental milestones at different times, which is perfectly normal. Great mental health includes learning social skills and the skills needed to address challenges as they arise. Developing resilience is a central part of the process of growing up. 

Some of the mental and developmental health issues that kids can encounter include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism
• Substance use disorder

These are just a few of the challenges kids can face as they move through childhood. Having a trusted pediatrician to turn to can help your family navigate these issues if and when they arise. 

When should I bring my child in for an ADHD evaluation?

Knowing when to seek help is one of the more critical parts of parenthood. Many kids experience ADHD, a behavioral health issue that can make it hard to thrive at home, school, and in social settings. 

Some of the behaviors that can be signs of ADHD include:

• Inability to sit still
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Frequently interrupting others or taking other kids’ toys or belongings
• Climbing or running in inappropriate settings
• Fidgeting or near-constant movement
• Frequently engaging in risky behavior
• Inability to pay attention in class or other slow-paced settings

While all kids will occasionally display some of these behaviors, in kids with ADHD these habits fall outside the norm of other kids their age. Teachers and caregivers are often the first to notice something is amiss, likely because they observe children in large groups where outlier behaviors tend to stand out. 

What are some signs my child might be experiencing anxiety or depression?

Many children go through bouts of anxiety and/or depression, even when parents cannot identify anything that would be an apparent cause of these mental health challenges. Understanding the signs of depression and anxiety can help you know when to come in for a diagnostic work-up. 

Some of the symptoms of childhood anxiety and depression include:

• Extreme fear of things that do not provoke such emotion in other children
• Ongoing worries or nervousness
• Not taking part in fun activities
• Difficulty paying attention
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Eating more or less than usual
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness

If you notice these changes in your child, or simply feel that something has shifted and is just not right, never hesitate to reach out to One Family Pediatrics to book an evaluation. The practice offers high-quality mental health services, including medication management, that can help your child thrive. 

Reach out to the office today to have your child evaluated. Visits can be booked online or by phone in just moments.