Posts from ‘January, 2009’

Previous blog talked about identifying possible signs of a child suffering from a mental illness. Here are steps parents should take if they suspect that their child may have a mental illness.

• Journal

  Writing down behaviors and symptoms, along with dates can help begin to identify patterns or changes. This can be a great tool to bring to the pediatrician or counselor.

• Talk to your caretaker, caregivers or teacher about showing any changes in behavior

  Talking to other caretakers can help bring together different pieces of the puzzle. How does the child behave outside of the home? How does the child interact with other friends? Other adults? Have there been a dramatic change in behavior?

10% of children and young people are believed to have a mental health problem. A child’s mental emotional needs may not be as recognizable as identifying child’s physical needs such as food, warm clothes for winter, or getting to sleep.

The following are possible signs that a child may need professional help.

• decline in school performance

• regular worry or anxiety or fear of a variety of things

• hyperactivity

• disobedience or aggression

• frequent tantrums

• inability to cope effectively

• inability to concentrate

• difficulty learning and retaining information