A worrisome rise in young individuals experiencing specific mental health issues has been linked to the Covid-19 epidemic, according to Vivek H. Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General.

Dr. Whitney Brammer, a clinical psychologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, said she was relieved to read the surgeon general’s warning to raise awareness of this problem. She said, “It’s important for parents to learn what warning signs to look for in their kids so they can obtain additional support.”

Behavioral Warning Signs

Blue Shield of California’s David W. Bond, who is the Director of Behavioral Health, urged parents not to attempt to diagnose their children on their own or with the help of the internet. Instead, certain changes in a child’s conduct should lead a parent to seek professional aid.

Have You Noticed These Signs?

So what should a parent note? According to behavioral and medical experts, your child may have a drug problem if they exhibit the following behaviors:

  • An increase in tardiness or a reluctance to attend classes
  • Problems with concentration, failing grades, or a lack of motivation
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Anxiety or sadness
  • Problems with nightmares or disturbances when sleeping
  • Changes in eating habits (eating too much or not eating at all)
  • Notable changes when communicating on social media
  • Conflicts with peers at school
  • Physical illnesses, such as recurring headaches, stomach upset, or body aches or pains.

The older children get, the more noticeable the signs can be.

Getting to the Root the Problem

As mentioned, getting professional support is of paramount importance. To understand the source of the problem, you have to ask certain questions.

  • When did the behavioral changes begin?
  • Was there an event that led to the change?
  • How frequent is the behavior?
  • How intense is the behavior?

While it is normal to feel sad or stressed from taking a test or feel upset from a breakup, a number of things can also be attributed to a more negative reaction. Some of these responses may relate to cultural issues or certain injustices.

Taking to Your Teen about a Possible Problem

If a teen displays intense emotions for more than two weeks, you should seek help immediately. To help address the problem, parents need to listen more than talk during a dialogue. Many parents make the mistake of asking questions that provide them with the answer they are seeking.

For instance, they might ask, “Are you trying to cope with depression?” Instead of trying to force the answer, wait for a time where your teen feels more like talking. In most cases, it may be better to refer them to someone (who has a strong influence in their life who will make them feel more at ease). This person might be an aunt, uncle, a school counselor or teacher, or someone at church.

Be Proactive

If they speak of suicide, get mental health assistance right away. You cannot delay any kind of treatment if they are vocalizing these types of feelings. If your child’s schools monitors possible mental health issues, don’t take a passive stance. Notify the school immediately.

For example, the Unified School District in Los Angeles has a student and family hotline that is answered during the regular workweek from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The number for the hotline is (213) 241-3840. The hotline connects parents with the proper resources so they can address mental health needs and concerns. The district also presents workshops that cover a student’s social and emotional well-being and health.

Some school counselors refer parents to family agencies outside the school system to get help with a drug addiction or an addictive behavior. That’s what school social worker Paul Brazzel suggests parents do when they’re concerned about their child’s well-being.

According to Brazzel, it is common practice for schools to set up a meeting for families and teachers to review a child’s strengths, as well as address behavioral concerns. For families, that’s a very pleasant place to begin the process. It helps to chronicle the problem, hold those responsible for the issue accountable, and locate resources that can help with the issue.

About the Author

Scott H. Silverman has been helping people with mental health issues for almost 40 years. He is the author of The Opioid Epidemic and the CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient rehab in San Diego.