Of the 74.5 million children in the United States, approximately 17.1 million have or have had depression or another mental health issue. Clearly, mental illness is not highly unusual, nor is it anything to be ashamed of. But many parents may not immediately understand the difference between normal childhood moods and legitimate mental illness. As well, they may not know when to secure the help of professional. Below are a few signs that the time is right to seek professional support for a child.

When a Child Is Hurting Themselves

If your child is engaging in self-destructive behavior and putting themselves in danger, contact a mental health professional as soon as possible. One of the most prevalent examples of this is cutting; a child may cut their skin with knives, razor blades, or other sharp objects as a way to physically manifest and release the emotional pain they're feeling. Be on the lookout for cuts, especially on the arms and legs, bearing in mind that a child chooses these places because they can easily be covered up by long sleeves and pants. Even if your child claims that cutting is only a rare or one-time behavior, they should still be evaluated by a professional sooner rather than later.

When There Is a Family History of Mental Illness

Genetic factors can play a role in the development of mental illness. If you or someone else in your family has a history of major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, or autism, there is a greater likelihood that a child will have one of these diagnoses as well. The exact symptoms will depend on the condition, but be aware of significant behavioral or mood changes, such as withdrawing or retreating from life or any unexplained, sustained bursts of energy followed by emotional lows and exhaustion.

When You Suspect an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders can be extremely challenging to recover from, and the longer a child lives with an untreated eating disorder, the more difficult it is to treat the condition successfully. Eating disorders can occur in both girls and boys, and while the average age of onset is between 14 and 25, children even younger can also struggle with them. Signs to look out for include changes in eating habits; frequent, often extreme dieting; and hoarding food.

The good news is that many children dealing with a mental health issue respond well to treatment. But it is imperative for you, as a parent, to intervene as early and quickly as possible. If you suspect your child may have depression or another mental illness, contact the family doctors at Lexington Family Physicians in Davidson County, NC. This team of compassionate, caring physicians offers a range of medical services and support, including mental health treatment for depression, physical exams, and preventative medicine. Call (336) 249-3329, visit their website, or message them on Facebook to schedule an appointment today.