What Can Parents Do?

It is normal for all children to experience stress-related symptoms throughout their growing years. As parents, it is up to us to determine if what we see is normal, and if not, what do to. First, understand that mental illnesses are biological in nature. That means there is a chemical disturbance in the brain. The behaviors we see in our children are symptoms. Second, we need to remember that these illnesses can happen to anyone. Keep in mind that a child may exhibit normal, age appropriate behaviors such as sadness, anger or anxiety in reaction to his or her experiences. However, if these behaviors interfere with their every day lives, or persist beyond two to three weeks, it may be time to consult your family doctor or health care specialist. The important thing to do is seek help if you suspect your child may be suffering from a mental illness.

The first step to helping your child is to be alert to behaviors that are of concern. Keep track of the kinds of behaviors, how often they occur, the intensity and how long they last. Take your child to your family physician or health care provider to rule out any medical problem that may account for the changes in your child's behavior. If there is no sign of a physical disorder, you may want to ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional for a complete psychological evaluation and medical diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, your child's mental health management may include medication, psychotherapy, family education and support services. It's important to keep in mind that with early diagnosis and treatment, most mental illnesses can be managed successfully.

*The above information was printed from Red Flags in Children's Behavior and Parents published by the Mental Health Association of Summit County, Inc. and Teachers as Allies: Recognizing Early-onset Mental Illnesses in Children and Adolescents published by NAMI.