GUIDE
Mental Health
Kids’ mental health is just as important as their physical health. Research shows that up to 1 in 5 children have a diagnosable mental health condition, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased that number. The following guides cover a range of mental health topics, with tips for parents, tips for kids and teens, recommended reading/viewing, and crisis resources put together by the pediatric mental health experts at CHOC. These guides are not meant to replace your child’s professional mental healthcare but rather to supplement it by giving you helpful tips and tools all in one place.
Learn more about CHOC’s Pediatric Mental Health Services
At CHOC, we specialize in providing a full continuum of pediatric mental healthcare, including inpatient, intensive outpatient and outpatient program services.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Overview
ADHD is medical condition that makes it hard for children and adolescents to pay attention, stay focused and control their behaviors. ADHD can influence a child’s ability to organize and remember things. Often, children and adolescents with ADHD feel restless, lost, overloaded with information or impatient, like it’s hard to wait. These behaviors and feelings can make it challenging for children and adolescents to function well at school and home, as well as get along with other kids.
Anxiety
Overview
All children and teens experience some anxiety. It is a normal part of growing up. However, when worries and fears do not go away and interfere with a child or adolescent’s usual activities, an anxiety disorder may be present. Children of parents with an anxiety disorder are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.
Bullying
Overview
Bullying is any type of repeated, aggressive behavior that one person (or a group of people) directs at someone else with the goal of causing physical or emotional pain. Bullying behaviors are also purposeful. Accidents happen and they may result in physical harm; however, bullying is not accidental or unintentional.
Depression
Overview
Depression is a real, treatable medical condition. Depression is more than just a bad mood—it is a period(s) of irritability, intense hopelessness, anger or frustration that can last for weeks, months or longer. These feelings can make it difficult for children and teens to function as they normally would, to get through the day or to find joy in things they usually enjoy. Some of the more troublesome symptoms of depression include self-harm and suicidal thoughts or feelings. Depression is also associated with a significantly elevated risk for anxiety, behavior, eating and substance use disorders.
Eating Disorders
Overview
Eating disorders in children and adolescents are serious but treatable illnesses that can have life-threatening physical consequences. Those who suffer from an eating disorder often become fixated with body image, food and/or weight. Growing research suggests a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Early detection and intervention of eating disorders are important to increase the likelihood of a full recovery.
Suicide Prevention
Overview
Suicide is a serious public health crisis that causes significant pain, suffering and loss to individuals, families and communities. Sadly, it is also one of the leading causes of death in children and adolescents. People may think about ending their lives when they are depressed or feel hopeless. However, there can be other triggers for suicidal thoughts and actions, such as breaking up with a partner, failing in school, being bullied or experiencing abuse, loss or other trauma.
Learn more about CHOC’s Pediatric Mental Health Services
At CHOC, we specialize in providing a full continuum of pediatric mental healthcare, including inpatient, intensive outpatient and outpatient program services.
Mental health recommended resources
Crisis Resources
If your child expresses thoughts of wanting to harm themselves or others, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest Emergency Department.
MHSA Suicide Prevention Line:
(877) 7CRISIS or (877) 727-4747
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
9-8-8
Crisis Text Line:
Text “HOME” to 741741
Save for later
Download, print or share on social media.
Find a mental health provider
Check your insurance website or the back of your insurance card.
Explore Psychology Today’s “Find a Therapist” tool.
www.psychologytoday.com/us
Call CalOptima Behavioral Health (Orange County, CA).
855-877-3885
The guidance on this page has been clinically reviewed by CHOC pediatric experts.
For more health and wellness resources from the pediatric experts at CHOC, sign up for the Kids Health newsletter.
The contents of this webpage, including text, graphics, audio files, and videos (“Materials”), are for your general information only. The Materials are not intended to substitute qualified professional or medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments. CHOC does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or other information that may be mentioned on or linked to this webpage. Always call your physician or another qualified health provider if you have any questions or problems. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911.
For more health information for your family visit health.choc.org
