Hey there, fellow parents and caregivers! 

Raising a child can be a wild ride, but when the going gets tough, it's essential to know when to seek help for your little one's mental health. In today's society, children often grapple with feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, and even aggression, but here's the deal: most mental disorders take root in childhood. The problem? We often chalk these feelings up to typical growing pains, and that's where things get tricky.

Spotting the Red Flags

So, how do we know when it's more than just a phase? The key is to differentiate between typical childhood behaviors and emotions and those that should raise a red flag. Here's when you should consider seeking professional help:

1. Prolonged and Distressing Behavior: If your child's behavior persists for weeks or even months and it's causing them distress and disconnection from family and friends, it's time to take notice.

2. School and Social Life Impact: When their behavior starts interfering with their school performance or ability to socialize with peers, it's a sign that something might be amiss.

3. Unsafe or Risky Behavior: If your child displays unsafe, risky, or dangerous behaviors, or if they ever mention thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, immediate professional help is a must.

Signs to Watch For

Your child could benefit from an evaluation and treatment if they exhibit the following signs:

Frequent tantrums and persistent irritability.
Regular complaints of unexplained stomach aches and headaches.
Constant restlessness, difficulty staying still.
Sleeping way too much or too little.
Struggles with social skills, reluctance to play with other kids, and difficulty in maintaining friendships.
Poor concentration in school, coupled with a sudden drop in grades.
Repetitive actions and excessive checking due to fear.
Choosing the Right Mental Health Provider

As responsible medical professionals, the well-being of our patients is our top priority. We believe in connecting children and adolescents with the right mental health providers who are certified, trained, and experienced in working with young minds.

Beyond Provider Care

But mental health care doesn't stop at the provider's door. It extends into the child's school environment. As mental health providers, we collaborate with educators, parents, and other care providers to ensure that the child's needs are met holistically.

Meet Dr. Syeda Sultana, M.D., and Team

At our clinic in Orlando, we're committed to supporting children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 70 across the state of Florida. We offer both Telehealth and In-Office appointments to cater to your convenience.

Accepted Insurances

For your peace of mind, we accept various insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Medicare, United Healthcare, UMR, Beacon, Tricare, Sunshine, Simply Healthcare, and more.

We appreciate your interest in our blogs and the positive feedback you've given for Dr. Sultana's services. Your commitment to mental health means the world to us.

Kind regards,
Dr. Syeda Sultana, M.D., and Team

Remember, mental resilience is a dynamic system, always adapting to circumstances. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Your interest in mental health is an invaluable contribution to the well-being of all.