Moodiness may seem like the very definition of the teen years. The ups and downs of puberty can perplex even the most patient parent. And children of any age can feel depressed, anxious, emotional or unfocused – just ask the parents of any child who wasn’t invited to a party or didn’t make the team.
These days, the ongoing fear, grief and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic have trained a spotlight on our mental health. Everyone in the family is feeling stressed, including children. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has called the worsening mental health of children during the pandemic a national emergency.
But how do you know if what your child is going through is normal for kids their age? And when do children experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety need professional intervention?
UNC Health pediatrician Rebecca Baum, MD, who specializes in developmental behavioral pediatrics, shared some tips for navigating a path forward.