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While children can’t always express what they are feeling, they often show that in their behaviours. For parents, being attentive to these changes can make all the difference.
Mood swings, irritability, and sleep issues may indicate mental health concerns.
Children may not always say what they’re feeling, but they almost always show it. While adults tend to communicate distress through words, kids often use behaviour as their language. Understanding this unspoken communication is key to supporting a child’s mental and emotional well-being.
Behaviour Is the First Language of Emotional Distress
“Kids don’t always express their emotional concerns verbally. It is their actions through which we can understand certain changes,” says Sushmita Upadhaya, Clinical Psychologist at LISSUN, a mental and emotional health startup.
Unlike adults, children often lack the emotional vocabulary or self-awareness to articulate what’s wrong. That’s why a shift in behaviour can often be the most important early indicator that something deeper is going on.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Upadhaya outlines several behavioural red flags that might signal psychological distress in children: “Sudden shifts in mood, constant irritability, inappropriate fears, sleep disturbances, withdrawal from peer or activity relationships, and academic problems are certain indicators of behaviour problems.”
In younger children, these changes may show up as frequent tantrums, clinginess, or regression in skills like speech or toilet training. Older children and teens, on the other hand, might express emotional turmoil through risk-taking behavior, substance use, or persistent disobedience.
It’s natural for children to act out or withdraw during challenging life events like a divorce, relocation, or the loss of a loved one. These reactions can be temporary and age-appropriate. But Upadhaya cautions that duration and intensity are key factors in determining whether professional help is needed:
“We must consider these behaviours in context. But when behaviours are long-standing and interfere with daily routine, they may be indicative of anxiety, ADHD, or other mental illness.”
The Role of Adults: Spotting the Signs, Offering Safety
Whether it’s parents, teachers, or caregivers, adults are a child’s first line of emotional defence. Being attentive to subtle behavioural changes and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for children to express themselves can make all the difference.
“Identification of subtle signs and providing comfort space is important in helping them navigate through these challenges,” Upadhaya explains.
When to Seek Professional Help
If a child’s behaviour is persistent, severe, or disruptive, early professional intervention is essential. “Paediatricians, school counsellors, clinical psychologists or child psychologists can assess the child and suggest the next step, whether it’s therapy, behaviour modification, or additional evaluation,” Upadhaya advises. Mental health support can help children process difficult emotions, learn coping mechanisms, and reclaim a sense of balance.
At the heart of all behavioral challenges in children is a simple truth: behavior is often a cry for help, not rebellion or manipulation. Recognizing that their actions reflect internal struggles, not ‘bad behaviour,’ is crucial for any adult in a caregiving role. By choosing to listen rather than reprimand, adults empower children to thrive emotionally and mentally.
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Delhi, India, India
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