Do you have a child that is active in sports? If so, they need a regular sports physical before the season starts. Such physicals may also be a requirement for entry into a new school, particularly a private one. Newport Pediatrics handles many school and sports physicals in Newport, TN.  Dr. Samuel Puckett and Dr. Jennifer Sauceman go beyond taking vitals to assess the child’s overall mental wellness.

How Do Doctors Screen for Mental Health in Youth?

Your child may not be showing obvious signs of mental trauma. Therefore, a trained professional must use the physical exam time to see if the child is as healthy mentally and emotionally in body strength.

Physicians often ask several questions related to anxiety level, stress, mood, and issues with peer pressure or family life. They may ask if there have been any recent life events at school or home, such as a divorce or unhappy school transfer. They also pay attention to the student's behavior during school and sports physicals in Newport, TN. Doctors note if the child seems aggressive, withdrawn, or anxious. Such signs of these behavioral issues may make ongoing evaluation and referral to other specialists necessary.

Why Is Mental Health Assessment Important at This Age?

Your child may be going through issues they may not always feel comfortable discussing with a parent. Even if a child doesn't initially reveal something is wrong, the doctor can use their professional intuition and screenings to determine if further investigation is needed. Your child may be dealing with bullying at school, feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork, or the pressures of sports. After a proper assessment, steps can be taken to get them proper help, through ongoing therapy or better-coping mechanisms.

Sleep problems can affect mental health and growth spurts. The growth hormones are more prevalent at night. Therefore, if your child is having sleep problems due to anxiety or depression, it can stunt growth and create inflammation, hypertension, brain fog, and poor concentration. These issues can affect their academic performance and social interactivity.

Unfortunately, suicide is not something only adults do. According to Psychology Today, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death between the ages of 10 and 24 years. Therefore, it's essential to understand the difference between your child having a bad day and thinking about ending their life.

Dr. Puckett and Dr. Sauceman are the team at Newport Pediatrics. They understand the value of a mentally healthy child. Therefore, they make mental and emotional assessments as important as other tests during school and sports physicals in Newport, TN. Call us at (423) 623-0653 to schedule an exam today.