Doctor Advice During Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month

November is Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness month. It's a time set aside to talk about mental health in those formative years.

Dr. Scott Cyrus is a pediatrician and he joined us Tuesday morning to talk about signs to look for in younger patients.

Signs of Mental Health Problems

1. Behavior problems at home, daycare, or social settings
2. Aggressive behavior
3. Changes in sleeping or eating habits
4. Persistent complaints of feeling physically ill
5. Poor social inactions
6. Excessive fear, sadness, or anxiety

Parent and Caregiver Tips

1. Take time to observe your child
2. Be affectionate and create a safe, nurturing environment
3. Interact with your child to learn to resolve conflict in appropriate ways
4. Support your child’s developing skills
5. Help your child experience give-and-take relationships
6. Ask for help from others when you need it
7. Help your child respect differences and appreciate their own and others’ culture