Mental Health|12 September 2021

Lethargy & lack of interest

Childhood is pivotal in establishing the baseline of an individual’s mental health. While we often assume that these issues present as exaggerated emotions (deep sadness etc.).
It’s also common for mental health issues to present as lack of emotion, low energy and reduced interest in everyday life. Here are some symptoms to look out for.

Feeling tired all
the time

Lack of interest in
prior hobbies

Lack of emotion or feeling indifferent

Difficulty in completing
everyday tasks

Trouble meeting goals
or deadlines

Decreased social involvement

Children are expected to have behavioural and mood changes. However, if symptoms persist for an extended period, you should speak to your child and offer support. You may also seek help from a professional or trusted community member. Even your family doctor would be able to refer you to a psychologist or mental health professional.

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References:

Cuellar, A. (2015). Preventing and Treating Child Mental Health Problems. The Future of Children, 25(1), 111-134. Retrieved 11 August, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/43267765
Children’s Mental Health. (2021). Retrieved 4 August 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/basics.html
NIMH » Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?. (2021). Retrieved 4 August 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
Ogundele, M. (2018). Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians. World Journal Of Clinical Pediatrics, 7(1), 9-26. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v7.i1.9
Tolan, P. H., & Dodge, K. A. (2005). Children’s mental health as a primary care and concern: a system for comprehensive support and service. The American psychologist, 60(6), 601–614. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.6.601
Worried about your child’s mental health?. (2021). Retrieved 5 August 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577