What About My Child?

Dear “Plain Sense”: How would I know if my child has serious emotional problems? What would these problems look like and how would they be treated? Sincerely, “Concerned Parent”

Dear “Concerned Parent”: Children have emotional problems just like adults. They can experience common problems of anxiety and depression, often in response to stress. And they can be born with or develop serious psychiatric disorders. The US Surgeon General reports that 20% of children have a diagnosable mental disorder. Recognizing your child’s emotional problems can be difficult because children are less able to talk about their feelings, so often their behavior is the most obvious indicator. For example, some signs of depression, depending on age and development, are regression in behavior, dropping-off of school grades, less time spent with friends and hobbies, and attitude changes with increasing irritability and anger.

The first thing to do if you have questions or concerns about how your child is feeling is to talk with them. Knowing your child, what they enjoy, who their friends are, what is on their mind, and being able to talk with them allows you to notice these important behavior changes and understand what those mean. There is no substitute for having a loving and involved relationship with your child. You may also want to talk with others who are involved such as teachers, day care providers and friends. Often, within the context of these supportive and loving relationships, solutions are found, stress is reduced, self-esteem is restored and problems solved.

If you feel the signs represent more serious problems or the possibility of dangerous behavior, or if you would like the reassurance of a professional, contact a licensed provider, such as your primary care physician, hospital or community mental health center. Their staff are readily available with helpful information, support, assessment and treatment. Licensed professionals provide a wide variety of services including psychotherapy, family therapy, medication, consultation, evaluation and support at home. It is important that parents be engaged in the treatment process, and others be included when necessary such as school staff and community resources.

Children’s emotional problems can be well managed with the combined efforts of parents and professionals. Key elements for success include parents developing a nurturing relationship with their children and, when concerned, access professionals in the community who are available to help.

Contributed by Ann Young, MS, LMLP, LMFT, Outpatient Youth Clinical Supervisor, and David Anderson, MS, LMLP, Outpatient Program Manager

The views expressed here are those of the individual writer and should not be considered a replacement for seeking professional help.

PLAIN SENSE, Consultation and Education Department, High Plains Mental Health Center, 208 East 7th, Hays, KS 67601

This information is for reference purposes only. It is in no way intended to be a substitute for, or to replace treatment from a licensed mental health professional or your physician. If you have questions concerning your mental health needs, please consult a mental health professional or call one of the contact numbers in this web site or consult your physician.

Mental Health-Disaster Information US Dept. of Health & Human Services

Terrorism--Preparing for the Unexpected American Red Cross

Coping With A National Disaster National Association of School Psychologists

Community Mental Health Centers--An Integral Part of County Government

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Office of Surgeon General

Stigma Alerts from NAMI National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Suicide Rates in Rural Areas National Association for Rural Mental Health

Common Sense Ways to Protect Your Privacy and Assess Online Mental Health Information... from the American Psychological Association