How Parents and Teachers Can Recognise Early Signs Of Mental Health Issues In Children; Psychologist Explains

This is the reason parents and teachers, who have the greatest exposure to a child's day-to-day behaviour, have a critical role in early identification. Telling changes in eating, sleeping, school work or social relationships may be the first signs of distress. Identifying such cues in time and providing timely assistance can be a game-changer, avoiding escalation of problems and enabling kids to develop healthier coping strategies. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Mr. Jasreen Birgi, City Lead - Psychologist at LISSUN, Mental Health Startup, shares warning signs every parent and teacher should look out for in any mental health issue in children.

Warning Signs Of Mental Health Issues In Children

Emotional And Behavioural Shifts

If a usually cheerful child becomes unusually irritable, withdrawn, or aggressive, it could signal deeper distress. Mr. Jasreen Birgi states, “Persistent sadness, frequent crying, or sudden loss of interest in favourite activities should not be brushed aside as “just a phase.”” Keep an eye out for feelings that appear out of proportion or unusually enduring for their age.

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Academic And Concentration Difficulties

Mental health issues often show up in classrooms. Declining grades, daydreaming excessively, trouble focusing, or forgetting instructions can stem from stress, anxiety, or depression rather than lack of effort. Teachers noticing changes in participation or sudden disinterest in activities should pay closer attention.

Parents/guardians should also understand that school behaviour and performance may reveal underlying emotional issues, like a pattern of missing school too often, unwillingness or reluctance to go to school, occasionally coupled with complaints of sickness, should not be ignored.

Physical Complaints Without Medical Cause

Headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue without a medical explanation are often how children express emotional strain. Mr. Jasreen Birgi states, “Repeatedly low energy levels, impacting their ability to engage in daily routines or frequent visits to the school infirmary may hint at hidden anxieties.”

Early Signs Of Mental Health Issues In Children (Image Credits: Canva)

Social Withdrawal And Relationship Struggles

Avoidance of peers, reluctance to attend group activities, or frequent quarrels with friends may reflect low self-esteem, bullying (either as the victim or the aggressor), or social anxiety. Mr. Jasreen Birgi mentions, “When children feel misunderstood or unsafe, they often retreat into isolation. Both parents and teachers should notice whether a child is increasingly isolating themselves.”

Changes In Sleep And Appetite

Difficulty sleeping, recurring nightmares, sudden overeating, or skipping meals are signs that a child may be coping with stress, fear, or sadness. Such changes must not be ignored. It can often accompany anxiety, depression, or trauma responses.

Age-Related Measures

The way children behave varies greatly based on their developmental level. Even though the symptoms listed above are broad indicators, it can be useful to pay attention to warning signs that are specific to a given age.

Preschoolers And Toddlers

Regression, such as going back to thumb-sucking or bedwetting after becoming proficient in such techniques.

Refusal to let go of caregivers or excessive clinging.

Extreme apprehension about unfamiliar situations or individuals.

Age Of Elementary School

Hyperactivity or difficulty focusing that goes beyond typical age-appropriate levels.

Emotional dysregulation that results in frequent tantrums.

Negative self-talk, like "I'm not good at anything," or persistently poor self-esteem.

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Teens And Preteens

Risk-taking habits, such as substance abuse or careless behaviour.

Self-harm (burning, cutting) or talking about hopelessness a lot.

Severe personality changes, such as becoming excessively secretive or withdrawn.

Mental health struggles in children often whisper before they shout. Parents and teachers in India can make a powerful difference by staying observant, offering empathy and providing the safe space children need to open up. Early recognition, gentle conversations, and timely professional help can make the difference between silent suffering and healthy growth.