Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week: May 6-13, 2012

Did you know that this week is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week?  Why would we need a mental health awareness week for children, you may be thinking.  Generally we see childhood as a time of joy and wonder, filled with happy memories.  As with adults, however, children face situations that make them sad, or angry or scared. Anyone who has had a 2 year old can relate.  Most of these are normal feelings that occur when a grandparent dies, or friends move away.  I remember when my parents got divorced.  I was a young teenager, and I was sad, and sometimes I was angry.  I sought the ear of trusted family friends, and a school counselor in high school, and as with most life events, it faded into the background.  I was able to adjust to my new life with two homes and later, stepparents and stepsiblings. Many children face life situations and cope with their feelings.  It is when those feelings become pervasive, or begin to impact the child’s daily life that it may become a mental health concern.

When these times arise, it is important to talk with your child, and seek the support of professionals.  Don’t avoid getting help because of preconceived ideas about seeing a counselor or even needing medication for a period of time.  If a condition goes unaddressed, there may be more serious consequences or the symptoms may get worse.  For example, you may notice a decline in grades, changes in mood, or your child may stop doing their favorite activities.  Teenagers who struggle with problems in attention, depression or anxiety, may seek ways to alleviate the symptoms by self-medicating through the use of drugs or alcohol.

So, if you have concerns, where do you turn?  One of the first resources you have is your school district.  In Ledyard, there is a school psychologist in each school building who is available for consultation, evaluation or counseling support for your child. If you have a concern about your child’s mental health or well-being, call your child’s school, and start the conversation.  At the middle school and high school, students are also assigned a guidance counselor.  Counselors are available to help students deal with the day-to-day stresses of school; as well as to help them plan their schedules, and get ready for work or college. The Ledyard Schools website can help you find the resources in your child’s building.

As a school psychologist, families often ask me how to find additional supports in the community when they are concerned about their child’s social/emotional or behavioral well being.  I tell them this is a very personal choice, and it is wise to do some research, and meet a few different people before making the decision. Right here in Ledyard, we have Ledyard Youth Services.  The staff can meet with you and/or your child confidentially, and are available to help families at low cost.  They also provide support through groups and individual meetings with children in the schools, whose families have given permission.  You can receive additional community connections by calling the Info Line: 211; they can provide a list of agency resources, private therapists, psychologists or social workers in the area. Another good place to seek advice is your child’s pediatrician.  He or she knows you and your child, and can provide resources that might match your needs.  Lastly, ask for suggestions from trusted family members or friends, who may have utilized a counselor or evaluator.  As mentioned earlier, there is no one right answer, the best match for your family is up to you.

So remember, childhood is a time of joy, wonder and amazing growth.  It comes with the typical ups and downs of everyday life.  But, if your child is experiencing pervasive sadness, heightened anxiety, or sustained anger or is exhibiting behavioral or emotional signs that concern you, seek help. To find more information about children’s mental health, and warning signs for various mental illnesses, check out the website: http://www.kidsmentalhealthinfo.com/p-needhelp-understanding.php