Teen / Children Issues For a child, pre-teen, or teen with symptoms of a mental disorder, the earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child grows up. Warning Signs It can be tough to tell if troubling behavior in a child is just part of growing up or a problem that should be discussed with a health professional. If there are signs and symptoms that last weeks or months; and if these issues cause impairment in daily functioning, not only at home but at school and with friends, you should contact a health professional. Your child or teen might need help if he or she: Often feels anxious or worried Has very frequent tantrums or is intensely irritable much of the time Has frequent stomachaches or headaches with no physical explanation Is in constant motion, can’t sit quietly for any length of time Has trouble sleeping, including frequent nightmares Loses interest in things he or she used to enjoy Avoids spending time with friends Has trouble doing well in school, or grades decline Fears gaining weight; exercises, diets obsessively Has low or no energy Has spells of intense, inexhaustible activity Harms herself/himself, such as cutting or burning her/his skin Engages in risky, destructive behavior Harms self or others Smokes, drinks, or uses drugs Has thoughts of suicide Thinks his or her mind is controlled or out of control, hears voices (Source: nimh.nih.gov) According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) Suicides have become the second-leading cause of death among teens in the United States, surpassing homicide deaths, which dropped to third on the list. The teenage suicide rate increased from 8 deaths per 100,000 in 1999 to 8.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2014. (prb.org) It may be helpful for children and teens to save several emergency numbers to their cell phones. The ability to get immediate help for themselves or for a friend can make a difference. The phone number for a trusted friend or relative The non-emergency number for the local police department The Crisis Text Line: 741741 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 If you or your child is thinking about harming yourself get help immediately. You can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 988.
For a child, pre-teen, or teen with symptoms of a mental disorder, the earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child grows up.
Warning Signs
It can be tough to tell if troubling behavior in a child is just part of growing up or a problem that should be discussed with a health professional. If there are signs and symptoms that last weeks or months; and if these issues cause impairment in daily functioning, not only at home but at school and with friends, you should contact a health professional.
Your child or teen might need help if he or she:
According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) Suicides have become the second-leading cause of death among teens in the United States, surpassing homicide deaths, which dropped to third on the list. The teenage suicide rate increased from 8 deaths per 100,000 in 1999 to 8.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2014. (prb.org)
It may be helpful for children and teens to save several emergency numbers to their cell phones. The ability to get immediate help for themselves or for a friend can make a difference.
If you or your child is thinking about harming yourself get help immediately. You can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 988.
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