2 Could your child benefit from mental health help? What to watch for in young children Children may: • Have frequent tantrums or be intensely irritable much of the time • Talk often about fears or worries • Complain of headaches or stomachaches with no known medical cause • Be unable to sit quietly except when watching TV or playing video games • Struggle in school or have a recent decline in grades • Repeat actions or often check things out of fear bad things will happen What to watch for in tweens and teens Older kids may: • Show less interest in activities or interests they once enjoyed • Have low energy • Sleep too much or too little • Diet or exercise too much or fear weight gain • Engage in self-harming behavior, such as cutting or burning their skin • Smoke, drink, or use drugs • Engage in risky behavior alone or with friends • Have thoughts of suicide • Say they hear things others can’t hear Speak with a Presbyterian nurse at any time You have access to PresRN, a nurse advice line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays. PresRN is an easy way to speak with a Presbyterian nurse if you are not feeling well and need advice. A PresRN nurse will help you and your family whether you require a trip to the emergency room or self-care at home. Presbyterian nurses are happy to answer any questions. Please call even if you are healthy but need some advice. As part of your Presbyterian Healthcare Team, we let your provider, care coordinator, and health coach know of your health concern so that you will have continued care and follow-up. We are here when you need answers! Call PresRN at (505) 923-5677 in Albuquerque or 1-888-730-2300 toll-free. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911. Children and teens can be sad, anxious, angry, and irritable at times. In many cases, challenging behaviors and emotions are an expected part of growing up. Still, mental health disorders can appear in people of all ages, and some behaviors in children and teens may signal a more serious problem. What’s just a stage, and what’s cause for concern? These signs, as identified by the National Institute of Mental Health, can help you know when your child or teen may benefit from a healthcare provider’s attention. Mental health is an important part of your child’s overall well-being. Seek help if your child’s or teen’s behavior lasts for a few weeks or longer. Seek help if the behavior is distressing for your child or your family or if it interferes with your child’s ability to function at school, with friends, or at home. If your child’s behavior isn’t safe, or if your child talks about hurting themself or someone else, get help right away. Where to find help Contact your child’s primary care provider (PCP) if you think something is amiss. They can provide reassurance or help you get in touch with a specialist. Source: National Institute of Mental Health
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