Overview
Children’s mental health is a Delaware priority. A child’s mental health can affect their readiness to learn, their relationships, even their success in later life. Mental health is part of early childhood development. Learn about developmental screening, to see if your child’s mental health is on track. If help is needed, there are many children’s mental health programs in Delaware.
What happens in early childhood can matter for a lifetime. We must support our children’s mental health in even the earliest years.
What to Know
Early childhood is a time of wonder. Strong social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive development is critical for lifelong success. Good mental health supports children’s development. It lays the ground work for healthy well-being now and into the future. Developmental screenings will let you know if your child is on track.
What to Look for
Young children can have mental health challenges. Some examples include anxiety, depression, self-harm, and outbursts. Behaviors may include fits, hitting, kicking, biting, uncontrolled crying, and withdrawal. These difficulties impact behavior, feelings, learning, and relationships. Mental health challenges often cause interference at home, school, and in the community.
What to Do for You
There are many ways you can support children experiencing mental health difficulties. Talk with your child’s doctor or a mental health professional. Have a developmental screening completed. You can also dial 2-1-1 for Help Me Grow to find out what services are available in your community.
What to Do for Others
You take a child to the doctor for physical health problems. It’s also important to get help and advice for mental health difficulties. Tell friends and family there are services for children experiencing mental health challenges. Help them find support. Together we can build healthy, resilient children and families.
Promotion / Prevention
Mental health is about having a healthy mind. What we do, how we think, and how we relate to others is part of mental health. Good mental health helps children form positive relationships. It helps them handle the ups and downs of life. Dial 2-1-1 for Help Me Grow. Ask for child mental health services.