Youth Mental Health
By Denise Betts and Pam Eberly
February 29, 2008
Children and adolescents in today’s world have to deal with problems that we didn’t even recognize a generation ago. It is more difficult than ever to determine what is a problem from what is normal and acceptable.
There are several different mental disorders that may be diagnosed in children. To name a few:
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Conduct Disorder
- Childhood & Adolescent Eating Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
It can be hard to determine if a youth’s behavior is just a phase or an indication of more serious difficulty. The following check list of warning signs can help determine if a youth is experiencing problems that may require a professional evaluation:
- Changing groups of friends
- Uninterested in favorite activities
- Irritable or short-tempered
- Increased frequency of arguments
- Eating or sleeping problems
- Poor school performance
- Suspected alcohol or drug use
- Talk about death or suicide
- Suicidal thoughts or gestures
- Multiple physical complaints
- Continuing physical problems
- Increased periods of depression or agitation
- Running away from home
- Fire starting
- Hyperactivity
Too many people respond negatively when confronted with a friend or family member’s mental illness; this only fuels the stigma surrounding the diagnosis. The reality is, mental illness is no different than physical illness. The emotional and psychological aspects of mental illness make supportive friends and family even more important to a person’s recovery. Help by being there and offering your reassurance, companionship, emotional strength, and acceptance. You can make a difference just by understanding and helping your friend or family member throughout the course of his or her illness and beyond. Additional information is available at www.whatadifference.org. Please feel free to contact your child’s school counselor if you have any questions or concerns.
(Source: BryanLGH brochure on Youth Psychiatric and Mental Health Services)
Pam Eberly, K-6 Guidance Counselor
Denise Betts, 7-12 Guidance Counselor
