Are you worried about a child?

Children can sometimes find it hard to speak about the difficulties they are having, this might be because they feel they don�t want to make a fuss, cause worry or upset, or maybe it�s that they feel it might make trouble. They may feel embarrassed or believe that telling someone might only cause them more pain.

However they can often provide signs that they�re having difficulties with their mental health and that professional help is required. Examples of changes in behaviour you might see include:

Outward behaviour, such as:

falling behind at school or college
refusal to go to school or college

being more:

aggressive
disruptive
challenging

Inward behaviour, such as being more:

quiet
uncommunicative
anxious
depressed
not mixing with friends
not eating
not sleeping

Having people that will listen to them is all the help that some children might need; but if you feel that this isn�t enough for a child and that their difficulties are starting to get in the way of their lives, then it�s important that you get a second opinion.

Their doctor, school nurse or social worker can advise as to whether specialist support is needed; and if they think CAMHS is the right service to provide this, they will arrange a referral.