What are the signs of possible mental health concerns in children and young people?

[lomiuk]

Help!! I have completely hit a brick wall on the following question...

Identify the signs of possible mental health concerns in children and young people?

Am I on the correct lines if I write about..
Mood changes.
Intense feelings.
Behaviour changes.
Difficulty concentrating.
Unexplained weight loss.
Physical symptoms.
Physical harm.
Substance abuse.

Any help would be great!

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi, a warm welcome to the site. These sound good.

Page 48 of the level 3 STL handbook also lists the signs of mental health concerns as

• having a parent who has a drug, alcohol or mental health problem
• having parents who are separating or separated
• bereavement or trauma
• psychological causes
• being bullied or abused
• being discriminated against
• living in care
• living in pov erty
• having a long-term physical illness or disability
• being a carer and taking on adult responsibilities
• domestic violence in ahome situation
• puberty

Page 49 then goes on to examine eating disorders, self-harm, changes in mood or personality including a reluctance to communicate, anxiety-related problems such as panic attakcs or phobias.

Page 189 quote:

Mental health issues

Speech, language and communication difficulties will put children and young people at a greater risk of ongoing mental health issues. This is because they will be limitied in how much they are able to communicate with others and discuss how they are feeling. This is important for the development of self-esteem and to prevent anxiety. Children and young people who have SLCN are a third more likely to develop mental health problems as they get older.

Hope this helps xx