Parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. Your observations, along with those of teachers and other caregivers, may lead you to seek help for your child. If you suspect a problem or have questions, consult your pediatrician or contact a mental health professional.

The following signs may indicate the need for professional assistance or evaluation:

• decline in school performance
• poor grades despite strong efforts
• regular worry or anxiety
• repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal children’s activities
• rapidly changing mood swings
• sleeping too much or too little
• feelings of worthlessness
• recurring thoughts of suicide or death
• persistent nightmares
• persistent disobedience or aggression
• frequent temper tantrums
• depression, sadness or irritability
• hyperactivity or fidgeting

It’s okay for children to feel afraid sometimes. Everyone is afraid of something at some point in their life. Fear and anxiety grow out of experiences that we do not understand. If your children have fears that will not go away and affect his or her behavior, the first step is to find out what is frightening them. Be loving, patient and reassuring, not critical. Remember the fear may be very real to the child.

• Nervous mannerisms, shyness, withdrawal and aggressive behavior may be signs of childhood fears.
• A change in normal eating and sleeping patterns may also signal an unhealthy fear. Children who “play sick” or feel anxious regularly may have some problems that need attention.
• Fear of school can occur following a stressful event such as moving to a new neighborhood, changing schools, or after a bad incident at school.
• Children may not want to go to school after a period of being at home because of an illness.

Information and referrals regarding the types of services that are available for children may be obtained from:

• Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Customer Services at (800) 337-8598

• Your child’s pediatrician, family doctor or school counselor