Dr. Maiysha Clairborne sat down with child psychiatrist Dr. Marie Dona to talk about something often overlooked: the mental well-being of our youth. With children increasingly being labeled the “Anxious Generation,” it’s important to understand how mental health issues show up early and why intervention shouldn’t wait until a crisis.
Dr. Dona emphasized how early mental health intervention in children can make a huge difference. “Children are malleable,” she said, which means getting them help early can shape how they handle emotional challenges as they grow. Without it, issues like anxiety, depression, or ADHD may go unnoticed and untreated, leading to bigger problems in adolescence or adulthood.
Recognizing the Signs in Youth Mental Health
One of the biggest challenges in early mental health intervention in children is recognizing how symptoms appear. Children don’t always say “I’m anxious” or “I feel depressed.” Instead, they may complain of stomach aches, headaches, or avoid school. Dr. Dona pointed out, “A child may not know how to say they’re nervous about a test. They’ll just say, ‘My stomach hurts.’”
Behavior changes like acting out, throwing tantrums, or withdrawing may also be signs. Parents and teachers must stay alert to these patterns. Sometimes, what’s seen as “bad behavior” is actually a cry for help.
Supporting Kids Means Supporting Parents Too
Dr. Dona highlighted that early mental health intervention in children must include caregivers. “The environment plays a huge role,” she said. Parents, teachers, and other adults must take responsibility for how they respond to children’s behaviors and emotions. It’s not about fixing kids. It’s about listening to them and offering the right support.
Sometimes that means checking our own reactions. If a child says, “I’m dumb,” the adult response should be curiosity, not punishment. Asking “Why do you feel that way?” opens up a conversation. “Approach it from a place of curiosity,” Dr. Dona recommended.
Early Mental Health Intervention in Children Builds Confidence
Waiting until a child is in crisis delays healing. Dr. Dona shared how untreated ADHD or anxiety can affect a child’s confidence, academics, and how they see themselves. “If they don’t get help until high school, they may already believe they’re stupid or lazy,” she said.
But there’s hope. With the right approach, these beliefs can be reversed. Schools, parents, and communities can be part of the solution by recognizing patterns early and encouraging professional support.
Making Mental Health Check-ins as Normal as Physicals
Dr. Maiysha asked a powerful question: Should children have regular therapy check-ins even if nothing seems wrong? Dr. Dona’s answer was a clear yes. Just like a yearly physical, mental health check-ins can be a preventive step. They give kids a safe space to talk and teach them that their emotional health matters too.
Therapy isn’t just for when something’s broken. It’s for helping kids grow with the tools to face the world.
If you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, it’s time to listen more closely. Let’s normalize mental health care for children—because emotional well-being is just as essential as physical health.
Making Mental Health Check-ins as Normal as Physicals
About Dr. Marie Dona
Dr. Marie R. Dona is a triple board-certified psychiatrist who works with children, teens, adults, and women during and after pregnancy. She treats a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and more. With years of training and experience in hospitals and mental health settings, Dr. Dona provides thoughtful, personalized care to people of all backgrounds.
Follow Dr. Marie Dona
Website: https://www.donawellnessclinic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donawellnessclinic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dona-wellness-clinic
Twitter: https://x.com/donawellnessclinic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donawellnessclinic
Email: psychiatry@donawellnessclinic.com
Follow Dr. Maiysha on Social media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaiysha
Instagram: www.instagram.com/DrMaiysha
Youtube: www.YouTube.com/DrMaiysha
Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne
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