|
|
 |
| |
 |
| |
|
How
do I know if my child needs help?
|
| |
|
Every child has mood swings and
temporary set backs that are normal responses to life stressors.
However, when you notice a change in your child's mood, behavior
or social functioning that is persistent and impacts their
daily activities, then you should seek professional help.
Children's mental health matters.
They can develop symptoms and disorders that are real and
emotionally painful. The sooner they receive treatment, the
better their prognosis.
|
| |
| What
are some things I should look for in my child?
|
| |
|
feelings:
- Persistent
sadness, anger, and/or fear
- Excessive
worrying (about school, friends, sports, etc.)
- Crying
frequently, overreactions to many things
- Feeling
worthless, hopeless, or suicidal
- Lack
of feelings, appear detached or disconnected from feelings
thoughts:
- Trouble
concentrating, frequent daydreaming
- Racing
thoughts that are hard to follow
- Worries
about being harmed or something "bad" happening
- Worries
they may harm someone else
- Low
self-esteem
- Repetitive
thoughts (obsessions)
- Suicidal
thoughts
changes
in behavior:
- Decline
in school performance
- Lack
of interest in things typically enjoyed
- Decreased
appetite or over eating
- Trouble
sleeping and/or nightmares
- Bedwetting
(after age 5)
- Clinginess
- Acting-out;
being aggressive and/or impulsive
engagement
in harmful behaviors:
- Using
drugs and/or alcohol
- Excessive
dieting/exercise and/or purging after meals
- Setting
fires
- Harming
animals
- Lack
of concern for others' well being; violating the rights
of others
- Doing
things that can be life threatening
|
|
|
