Carolina Gaviria, LMHC, NCC, CEDS-C
Psychotherapist

That's a really good question! Learning about developing symptoms, or early warning signs of depression, anxiety and other disorders in children and teens can help to take action and reduce the severity of an illness. Early intervention can help delay or prevent a major mental illness altogether. If several of the following are occurring, it may useful to follow up with a mental health professional. Some of the signs and symptoms include:

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• Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in friends and family

• An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, a hobby they used to enjoy, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks

• Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that are difficult to explain

• Increased sensitivity — Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations and feeling easily overwhelmed

• Lack of motivation and apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity

• Feeling disconnected — A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality, like “if it was a movie”

• Illogical thinking — Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult

• Nervousness — Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling

• Unusual behavior – Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior

• Changes in sleep, weight or appetite — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care

• Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings

• Angry outbursts or inappropriate expression of anger

• Panic attacks

• Fear of being alone

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Not everybody exhibits all of the symptoms, some people experience some more than others. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, please feel free to contact me directly at 561.305.2497 or email me at carolinagaviriamhc@gmail.com, I will be happy to listen to your concerns and provide a FREE 20 minute phone consultation to answer your questions and determine if counseling can help you!