Mental health in children: signs and support | Progyny

Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg — June 2025.

Just like adults, children will experience periods of stress in which they may need extra support from friends, family, or professionals. Children physically and emotionally grow and change so quickly! That can make it hard to determine what behaviors are typical, and what might point to emotional stress or other concerns.

It’s typical for children of all ages to experience a wide range of emotions. They’re still learning the necessary coping skills. That means they may show some concerning behaviors in response to those emotions.

Warning signs

According to the CDC, nearly one in five children between the ages of 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition at some point. Child mental health experts agree that some degree of challenging behaviors are part of child development.

There is no definitive answer around when challenges need outside assessment or support. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers these guidelines:

Younger children may benefit from an evaluation if they:

• Have frequent tantrums or are intensely irritable most of the time.
• Seem fearful or worried often.
• Complain about frequent stomachaches or headaches with no known medical cause.
• Move constantly and cannot sit quietly, except when they are watching videos or playing video games.
• Sleep too much or too little, have frequent nightmares, or seem sleepy during the day.
• Avoid playing with other children or have a hard time making friends.
• Struggle academically or experienced a recent decline in grades.
• Repeat actions or check things, such as door locks, many times out of fear that something bad might happen.

Older children and adolescents may benefit from an evaluation if they:

• Lose interest in things that they used to enjoy.
• Have low energy.
• Sleep too much, too little, or seem sleepy throughout the day.
• Experience periods of highly elevated energy and activity and require much less sleep than usual.
• Spend more and more time alone and avoid social activities with friends or family.
• Diet or exercise excessively or fear gaining weight.
• Engage in self-harm behaviors, such as cutting or burning their skin.
• Smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.
• Engage in risky or destructive behavior alone or with friends.
• Say someone is trying to control their mind or that they hear things others cannot.
• Have thoughts of suicide.

Get immediate help

If you, your child, or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also chat live. In life-threatening situations, call 911.

Support and resources

If you’d like to find more support for your child, here a few good places to start:

• Your employee assistance program (EAP) can help identify resources for your entire family.
• Speak to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns. They often have lists of local providers who specialize in children’s mental health.
• Speak to your child’s school. Most likely, your child’s teacher knows them well and observes them in another setting. School staff such as social workers or counselors often have lists of trusted local therapists.
• Search for therapists by specialty, location, and if they accept insurance.

Being concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing can be confusing and very stressful. Remember, you’re not alone. As a parent, it may be helpful to seek professional help for yourself to better deal with the situation and to best support your child too. Getting support and answers from a professional who specializes in children’s emotional well-being can help.

Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support and additional resources.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.