Know the signs: Mental Injury
Signs of Mental Injury in Children
Children may be considered mentally injured if:
- They show emotional or behavioral problems related to the parent’s behavior
- They are placed in the middle of disputes between their parents
- They are subjected to extreme discipline
- They are subjected to extreme confinement, such as being locked in a closet
- The parent excessively controls their actions, which inhibits their growth and development
- They are exposed to domestic violence, drugs, or criminal activity
- The parent's ability to provide protection or supervision is limited (by substance abuse, mental illness, or other factors)
Mentally injured children may:
- Have habits such as sucking, rocking, head-banging, or biting
- Not like to be around people, even parents or guardians
- Break things on purpose
- Be too passive or too aggressive with others
- Engage in criminal behavior such as stealing
- Intentionally hurt animals
- Attempt suicide
- Seem cold or distant to other children or to adults
- Become violently angry without warning
- Choose to be alone
- Be uncomfortable when someone shows them care or concerns