Early Mental Health Warning Signs in Children Highlighted by Experts
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Dr. Imafidon Agbonile
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – Mental health experts are warning that early detection of emotional and behavioural changes in children is critical to preventing long-term psychological disorders, as rising pressures continue to affect young people across Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, the warning was issued by the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Dr Imafidon Agbonile, during a lecture on child mental well-being marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
Agbonile said parents, teachers and guardians must pay close attention to gradual changes in behaviour, warning that many mental health conditions develop silently before becoming severe.
He said symptoms that persist for more than two weeks should not be ignored.
“Persistent emotional or behavioural changes lasting more than two weeks should attract attention, as they may signal underlying psychological difficulties,” he said.
According to him, warning signs include sudden mood swings, social withdrawal, loss of interest in hobbies, sleep disturbances, unexplained physical complaints and abnormal behaviour patterns.
He noted that children experiencing emotional distress often isolate themselves from family and peers, even when previously socially active.
Agbonile also highlighted anhedonia — the loss of interest in enjoyable activities — as a key indicator of mental health challenges among young people.
He warned that emotional distress may also present as physical symptoms, including repeated complaints of pain or discomfort without medical explanation.
Other warning signs, he said, include irritability, aggression, violent outbursts and frequent temper tantrums, which may reflect deeper psychological issues.
Sleep disturbances such as insomnia and recurring nightmares were also identified as common symptoms.
The psychiatrist further raised concern over rising adolescent substance abuse, noting that drugs are sometimes introduced through coded language and peer influence.
He urged parents to maintain open communication with their children and take teachers’ reports seriously, including declining academic performance and absenteeism.
“Parents should not wait until symptoms worsen before seeking professional help. Early intervention can make a significant difference,” he said.
Participants at the event described the session as timely, with parents saying it helped them better understand behavioural changes in children.
Experts say strengthening awareness and early intervention systems is essential to addressing Nigeria’s growing child mental health challenges.
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