Mental Health Management

It is normal for child behavior to change rapidly and frequently. All children can feel excited, sad, anxious, irritable and angry. In most cases, it is just the part of growing up. But when the behavior persists affecting the child’s functioning at school or relationships with family and friends, it indicates a serious problem that must be addressed. 

Pediatric mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, eating disorder, PTSD, loneliness and social isolation and suicidal behavior have increased markedly in the last decade. There should be no reluctance to seek treatment of mental health - many adults who seek mental health treatment reflect on the impact of mental disorders on their childhood and wish they had received help sooner. With proper care and treatment, children will reach their full potential. 

As with any other condition, we do not judge you, and our consultations are performed with utmost sensitivity, are completely private and confidential. Some signs to consider a mental health evaluation with Dr. Vani:

Younger children

• Have frequent tantrums or intensely irritable much of the time
• Complain about frequent tummy aches or headaches with no known medical cause
• Have frequent tantrums or intensely irritable much of the time
• Are in constant motion and cannot sit quietly (except when they are watching / playing videos games)
• Sleep too much or too little, have frequent nightmares, or seem sleepy during the day
• Not interested in playing with other children or have difficulty making friends
• Struggle academically or have a recent decline in grades
• Repeat actions or check things many times out of fear that something bad may happen

Children & Adolescents

• Have lost interest in things that they used to enjoy
• Are spending more and more time alone and avoid social activities with friends or family
• Have lost interest in things that they used to enjoy
• Diet or exercise excessively, or fear gaining weight
• Engage in self-harm behaviors (such as cutting or burning their skin), or have thoughts of suicide
• Smoke, drink, or use drugs or engage in other risky behavior alone or with friends
• Have periods of highly elevated energy and activity and require much less sleep than usual
• Say that they think someone is trying to control their mind or that they hear things that other people cannot hear

If your child’s behavior is unsafe, or if your child talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else, seek help immediately. Call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Vani, please click on the "Request An Appointment" link at the top of the page (preferred option) or call the office at 972-893-1192.