People cope differently with the same problem. However, there are some warning signs to look for because they negatively affect the sibling’s life.
If your child displays a number of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time (2 weeks or more), discuss the situation with the child’s pediatrician or a local mental health professional.
- Change in child’s sleeping habits
- Change in child’s eating habits
- Low self-esteem
- Sense of helplessness/hopelessness
- Easily tearful or irritated
- Unwilling or fearful about attending school
- Excessive worry
- Worry about health or well being of family members
- Lack of pleasure in activities
- Difficulty making decisions/concentrating
- Difficulty separating from parents
- Increased energy level without a purpose
- Talks about hurting self (for example, “I wish I was dead”)
- Excessive bodily symptoms (for example, stomachaches and headaches)