May is Mental Health Awareness Month: What Parents Should Know
Last month, we celebrated Autism Awareness Month by shining a light on some pertinent topics in relation to the spectrum disorder. Since the month of May is mental health awareness month, now is as good a time as any to discuss this particular topic. Mental health is often relegated to teenagers and adults but it’s important to understand young children may also suffer from mental health issues. Keep reading to learn more mental health in children.
Mental Health Issues are Common In Children
Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and aggression, can be present in young children. It’s the responsibility of the parent to pay attention to certain signs that may point towards mental health issues. These may include a decline in school performance including low grades despite strong efforts, hyperactivity, temper tantrums, and persistent nightmares. Disobedience, aggression, and irritability are other signs to keep in mind. The key term here being “persistent,” since we all know young children have their particular bouts of irritability but when they become commonplace, then it may be time to look into your child’s mental health.
The Next Steps To Take
Once you believe you’ve identified mental health issues, it’s necessary to diagnose and treat the issues in order for your child to reach her full potential. Mental health can be a roadblock on the road towards happiness so it’s necessary to deal with it sooner rather than later. Children aged 11 to 17 can take youth screening tests that may pinpoint the particular mental health issue they’re dealing with. But an important first step to take is to open up a dialogue with your child about what mental health is and its effects on the young mind. Speaking with a child psychiatrist or pediatrician may be necessary if the issues persist.
For A Happier, Healthier Mind
Parents should be aware of the negative outcomes of ignoring mental health issues. Make this month the month when you take your child’s mental health into consideration. In many instances, mental health issues can be treated with behavioral therapy services. Negative behaviors such as aggression, temper tantrums, or acting out can be dealt with positively with our behavior therapy services. The following are some conditions we treat:
- Autism
- Inattentiveness
- Hyperactivity
- Self-Regulation and Adverse Behaviors
- Scholastic Skills
So, if you’d like to help your child live her life to the fullest, then give Pasitos Clinic a call today!