Problems across a variety of settings, such as at school, at home, or with peers

Social withdrawal, isolation, separation anxiety, constant worry, or fearful behavior toward things the child is normally not afraid of

Behaviors returning to those of a younger age (regressing), like bedwetting, throwing tantrums, becoming clingy, thumb-sucking, etc.

Increased sadness, tearfulness, irritability, angry outbursts, or other mood changes

Poor school performance, increased absences from school, or avoidance of school

Hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, disorganization, etc.

Persistent boredom, apathy, lack of motivation, and lost interest in activities the child once enjoyed

Frequent complaints of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches

Sleep changes like sleeping too much or too little, nightmares, sleepwalking, low energy, tiredness during the day

Increased/decreased appetite, changes in food consumption, preoccupation with weight or physical appearance, binging, purging, or restricting diet

Decreased concern about appearance, diminished self-care and grooming

Distorted thinking, odd body movements, acting overly suspicious of others, seeing or hearing things that others don’t see or hear

Increased environmental stressors, including trauma, being the victim of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, the illness or death of a loved one, or being the victim of bullying or peer pressure

Increased risk-taking and self-destructive behavior, such as rebelling against authority, head-banging, cutting or other self-injury, substance use, inappropriate sexual behavior, physical violence or bullying others, playing with unsafe items, destructive behavior, or repeatedly putting themselves in risky situations

Repeated thoughts of death, prior suicide attempts, comments about not wanting to be alive or going to sleep and never waking up