Categories: Parents

Seek Help Early for Childhood Mental Health Issues

If a child shows signs of a serious physical illness, most parents immediately see a doctor and investigate all the treatment options. Unfortunately, when a child is showing signs of mental health issues, many parents do not recognize the signs, or are not so quick to respond.

Parents are sometimes slow to seek help for mental illness for three key reasons:

they are concerned about the social stigma connected with mental health issues,
they don’t want to label their child as having a problem that will prevent them from learning to overcome it, or
they don’t recognize the health problem because it looks too much like a behavior problem.

Mental Health Issues Affect One in Five Children

It’s unfortunate that there would be any social stigma connected with mental health issues because the number of people affected by them is just so high. Approximately one fifth of children suffer from a mental health issue. The most common problems are Generalized Anxiety, ADHD and Oppositional Defiance (a childhood disorder characterized by angry, hostile behavior towards adults). Despite the large numbers of children needing help, only one third of children and their families get the help they need.

Sometimes pediatricians are slow to recognize a mental health issue, too. Doctor appointments can be time-consuming and complications or challenges when referring to a specialist. Parents themselves may suffer from the disorder and have difficulties coping effectively, as well.

What Early Diagnosis & Treatment Can Do for Your Family

Early treatment can be a lifesaver for many children. It can mend family relationships and help a child be more successful in school and friendships. It sets their whole life up on a better path.

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 kids. Don’t wait – early diagnosis helps most

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If you think your child may have a mental health issue, don’t wait. Seek help now so early treatment can lead to a better future.

-Elaine

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Elaine Taylor-Klaus

[content-block title="Meet Elaine Taylor-Klaus" color="orange"] Fifteen years ago, there was little help and support for parents whose children were diagnosed with ADHD. [/content-block] [content-block]Elaine Taylor-Klaus learned how to help her own children, all 3 of whom have ADHD, and in the process, became a coach, trainer and advocate for other parents who face similar challenges. [/content-block] [content-block]Parents can find a wealth of information on how to raise kids with ADD and ADHD on her website, ImpactADHD.com, created in 2011 with co-founder Diane Dempster. [/content-block] [content-block]Drawing from the strategies of professional coaching, Elaine teaches parents to take a coach-approach with their kids, communicating more effectively to get better results. Rather than just managing difficult behaviors, Elaine teaches parents to help their children thrive and become more independent. [/content-block] [content-block]ImpactADHD offers tools and resources parents need to help their children succeed, including expert articles, tips and tricks, and how-to videos, as well as coaching programs and a community of parents who offer support to each other. [/content-block] [content-block]For more information, visit the website ImpactADHD.com. [/content-block]