{"id":124986,"date":"2022-02-08T11:00:15","date_gmt":"2022-02-08T11:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/?p=124986"},"modified":"2023-03-13T13:04:27","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T13:04:27","slug":"mental-health-issues-in-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/mental-health-issues-in-children.htm","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health Issues in Children &#8211; Do You Know the Signs?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-124993\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-4568731-267x400.jpg\" alt=\"mental health issues in children\" width=\"238\" height=\"357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-4568731-267x400.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-4568731-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-4568731-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-4568731.jpg 709w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px\" \/><\/span><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #333399;\">by Andrea M. Darcy<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Worried about your child or teen? And not sure how<\/strong> to recognise the signs of mental health issues in children?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Why is my kid not being themselves?<\/span><\/h2>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #333399;\">According to charity <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngminds.org.uk\/about-us\/media-centre\/mental-health-statistics\/\">Young Minds<\/a>, one in six children suffer from mental health issues here in the UK.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Being a kid can be hard. From navigating<\/strong> the rules of socialising, experiencing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/the-private-hell-of-rejection-why-does-it-keep-happening-to-you.htm\">rejection<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/feel-like-a-failure.htm\"> failure<\/a>, and then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/teenage-brain.htm\">entering adolescence<\/a> and needing to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/who-am-i-identity-crisis.htm\">form a solid identity<\/a> and learn independence, challenges are par for the course.\u00a0 And p<\/span><span class=\"s1\">eriods of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/parental-stress.htm\">stress<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/anxiety-in-kids-news.htm\">anxiety<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/depression-vs-sadness.htm\">sadness<\/a> are a normal part of growing up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong> So then how to know when it has veered from a normal issue<\/strong> to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/what-is-mental-health.htm\">mental health issue<\/a>? <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span class=\"s1\">While knowing symptoms of main mental health issues in children is definitely important, your child is not a checklist. Each child has their own personality and way of dealing with stress. <\/span>So it depends on your child\u2019s personal baseline and if there are clear reasons for the changes in behaviour, or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Questions to ask about your child\u2019s recent behaviours<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So what key questions can you ask to recognise if your child is struggling?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><span style=\"color: #993366;\">1.Are they acting differently than usual?\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Differences are really the key factor with recognising mental health challenges.\u00a0 <\/b><strong>For example,<\/strong> low moods is a classic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/types-of-depression.htm\">\u00a0sign of depression<\/a>. But if your child has always been rather <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/what-is-melancholia.htm\">melancholy<\/a> and quiet, suddenly being social and outspoken could be more a sign there was something wrong than if they were moody.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/every-mind-matters\/supporting-others\/childrens-mental-health\/\"> NHS advises<\/a> that behaviours to look out for in particular are:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>ongoing difficulty sleeping<\/li>\n<li>withdrawing from social situations<\/li>\n<li>not wanting to do things they usually like<\/li>\n<li>self-harm or neglecting themselves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Other things to look for can include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>sudden or very big emotional outbursts<\/li>\n<li>changes to self control, acting out more<\/li>\n<li>a new obsession with destruction or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/talking-to-children-about-death-and-dying.htm\">talking about death<\/a><\/li>\n<li>doing worse at school<\/li>\n<li>interacting differently with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/mental-health-issues-in-childhood.htm\">siblings<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #993366;\">2. Is there a cause for their behaviour, or not?<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_124988\" style=\"width: 277px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-124988\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-124988\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7929449-267x400.jpg\" alt=\"mental health issues in children\" width=\"267\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7929449-267x400.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7929449-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7929449-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7929449.jpg 709w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-124988\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">photo by: Mikhail Nilov<\/p><\/div>\n<blockquote><p><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #333399;\">Being emotionally disturbed when upsetting things happen is a normal, healthy reaction.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>If there is a cause you can pinpoint for the changes<\/strong> to your child\u2019s behaviours and moods then it might be a normal stress response. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>So if your child is acting differently after<\/strong> changing schools, being dropped by a social group,<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>doing badly in their favourite class, or being rejected by a love interest?\u00a0 It\u2019s time to help them manage. But not necessarily a sign they have issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #993366;\">3. How long has the change in behaviours been going on for? <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Of course if your child has gone through something stressful, <strong>and the stressful issue has been resolved, but the changes to moods and\/or behaviours are continuing?<\/strong> For several weeks or months? Then it might have evolved into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/anxiety-vs-depression.htm\">anxiety, depression<\/a>, or otherwise. Stress can indeed be a trigger for more serious issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #993366;\">4. Are they being secretive, avoidant, or not properly asking questions? <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Sometimes we all need some privacy, even as children.<\/strong> We need time to think and process emotions or just be alone. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>For teens in particular this can be perfectly normal behaviour<\/strong>. Teenagers are trying to figure out who they are, and this can form part of their attempt at autonomy. But if the refusal to talk is accompanied by<a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/different-types-of-anger.htm\"> anger<\/a> or aggression, it could be a sign they are struggling. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #333399;\">As for young children, being secretive or shifty for longer than normal or in a way that is out of character can be a sign of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/shame-definition.htm\">shame<\/a> following a difficult experience.\u00a0 It might be a red flag your child is not okay. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><span style=\"color: #993366;\">5. Are they practicing a lot of negative self talk?<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Has your child started to say bad things about themselves? Put themselves down?<\/strong> Call themselves stupid? <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>This can be a learned behaviour.<\/strong> If they are in any way being criticised by, say, a new teacher or peer, they could be internalising the criticism. Or if you or another adult in your child&#8217;s life are very self-critical, they could be imitating you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Otherwise, negative self-talk can be a sign your child has experienced<\/strong> something traumatic that has damaged their<a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/a-sense-of-self-who-am-i.htm\"> sense of self<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #993366;\">6. Is your child always happy and perfectly behaved? <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Again, childhood presents challenges. It\u2019s normal for a child to<\/strong> have periods of frustration and upset. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #993366;\">If a child is instead always calm, always happy, or always says they are \u2018fine\u2019, this might be more of a red flag than occasionally bursting into tears. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>It might mean your child has trained themselves to hide their real feelings<\/strong>, which is a habit that can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/signs-of-an-unhealthy-relationship.htm\">problems with relating<\/a> right into adulthood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>It can also be a sign that it&#8217;s time to troubleshoot or<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/parents-therapy-london.htm\">get support with your parenting<\/a>. Sometimes, without realising it, we are not creating the safe space our child needs to feel they will gain unconditional love, support and acceptance regardless of their mood and behaviours. And they are falling into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/people-pleaser-meaning.htm\">pleasing as a coping mechanism<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><span style=\"color: #993366;\">7. Are they constantly unwell?<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-125004\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-5858741-400x266.jpg\" alt=\"children and mental health issues\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-5858741-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-5858741-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-5858741-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-5858741-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-cottonbro-5858741.jpg 709w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><strong>If a child feels they must please you all the time<\/strong>, and are not versed at being open about their feelings? They can manifest mental health issues through physical symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">This can look like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/sleep-problems-mental-health-issue.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">sleep problems <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">constant upset stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">headaches and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/causes-of-exhaustion.htm\">fatigue <\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/medically-unexplained-symptoms-counselling.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">unexplained medical symptoms <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">ongoing colds and flu<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">differences in appetite. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #993366;\">8. Are they very different to all their peers, such as socially and\/or with learning development? <\/span><\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #333399;\">Sometimes the root of a child\u2019s anxiety, depression, or esteem issues is because they are constantly dealing with the stress of being naturally different. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>This can relate to diagnosable<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/child-psychologist-london.htm\"> learning differences<\/a> or behavioural disorders, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/adhd-in-children-should-you-be-concerned.htm\">attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/what-is-an-autism-test.htm\"> autism spectrum disorder<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Mental health issues in children <\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>So what are the main mental health issues in children?<\/strong> They are the same as in adults. They include: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/adhd-child.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">ADHD <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/generalised-anxiety-panic-disorder-help-guide.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">anxiety and stress<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">autism spectrum disorder<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/depression-help-guide.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">depression <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/learning-difficulties-assessments-and-support.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">learning differences <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/self-esteem-for-teens.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">low self-esteem <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/eating-disorders-help-guide.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">eating disorders<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/healthy-relationships-help-guide.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">relating issues<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/rise-in-self-harming.htm\"><span class=\"s1\">self-harm <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/sleep-help-guide.htm\">sleep problems<\/a>. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><em><span class=\"s1\">[While listing symptoms of all these issues is beyond the scope of this article, note that each is a clickable link that leads to more information]. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Is it all my fault my child has mental health issues? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>This is an understandable and yet not a helpful <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/what-is-perspective.htm\">perspective<\/a>. First of all, it makes everything about you in a moment when the concern needs to be with your child and family. Secondly, it is making a complicated issue about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/why-we-put-the-blame-on-others.htm\">blaming someone<\/a>. Blame tends to be toxic, meaning we pull away from situations and relationships instead of moving in and healing them. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">The best way to treat mental health issues in children <\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Obviously, showing your concern and support is crucial. Let your child know<\/strong> you are a safe space, and live up to that promise by learning about child mental health, supporting your child, and respecting their needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Of course children, like adults, can benefit from an unbiased space to share.<\/strong> And therapy can create this space for your child. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #800080;\">This is particularly important if the truth is that you are currently not able to be a safe space for your child, such as if you are dealing with too much stress yourself. This does not make you a bad person or parent. We are all human, and sometimes we just can&#8217;t manage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/family-therapist-london.htm\">Family therapy<\/a> <strong>is often recommended. Children do not live alone or operate alone any more than we as adults do.<\/strong> We might think we are independent, but we are influenced by the environments we move through, and the relationships we invest in. The best way to approach mental health issues in children is as a family unit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">So does that mean as a parent I need therapy? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Individual therapy can certainly also be a useful tool when it comes to parenting.<\/strong> Any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/repressed-memories-are-they-real.htm\">unresolved issues<\/a> from your own past will manifest in all your relationships, including the way you approach parenting. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Again, this doesn&#8217;t mean you are a &#8216;bad&#8217; parent. Parenting is not easy. There is no exact guide to raise a child,<\/strong> and most parents do the best they can with the knowledge and skills they have available. Therapists are not there to judge, they are there to understand and support you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Time to help your child and family? We offer one of the mostly highly regarded teams of mental health experts in London, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/child-psychologist-london.htm\">child psychologists<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/family-therapist-london.htm\">family therapists<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Still have a question about mental health issues in children? Or want to share your experience with other parents? Ask below.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-117271\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/headshot-yellow-397x400.png\" alt=\"Andrea M. Darcy\" width=\"115\" height=\"116\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/amdarcy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Andrea M Darcy<\/a> is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/amdarcy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mental health and wellbeing expert and writer<\/a>. With training in person-centred therapy and coaching, her favourite topics to discuss are childhood trauma, ADHD, and relationships. Follow her on Instagram for useful life tips @am_darcy<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by Andrea M. Darcy Worried about your child or teen? And not sure how to recognise the signs of mental health issues in children? Why is my kid not being themselves? According to charity Young Minds, one in six children suffer from mental health issues here in the UK.\u00a0 Being a kid can be hard. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":124993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[296],"tags":[318,115],"class_list":["post-124986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parenting","tag-children","tag-parenting","has_thumb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Mental Health Issues in Children - Do You Know the Signs? - Harley Therapy\u2122 Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you know the signs of mental health issues in children? 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Darcy","author_link":"#"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"by Andrea M. Darcy Worried about your child or teen? And not sure how to recognise the signs of mental health issues in children? Why is my kid not being themselves? 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