Warning signs
Talk to your doctor, a school counselor, or another trained mental health professional to assess whether or not your child has a mental health problem.
Seek professional help if a child you know...
Is troubled by feeling:
- really sad and hopeless without good reason and the feelings don't go away
- very angry most of the time, cries a lot, or overreacts to things
- worthless or guilty
- anxious or worried a lot more than other young people
- grief for a prolonged time after a loss or death
- extremely fearful -- has unexplained fears or more fears than most children
- constantly concerned about physical problems or appearance
- frightened that his or her mind is controlled or is out of control
Experiences big changes, for example:
- does much worse in school
- loses interest in things usually enjoyed
- has unexplained changes in sleeping or eating habits
- avoids friends or family and wants to be alone all the time
- daydreams too much and can't get things done
- feels life is too hard to handle or talks about suicide
- hears voices that cannot be explained
Is limited by:
- poor concentration; can't make decisions
- inability to sit still or focus attention
- thoughts of being harmed, hurting others, or about doing something "bad"
- the need to wash, clean things, or perform certain routines dozens of times a day
- thoughts that race almost too fast to follow
- persistent nightmares
Behaves in ways that cause problems, for example:
- uses alcohol or other drugs
- eats large amounts of food and then forces vomiting, abuses laxatives, or takes enemas to avoid weight gain
- continues to diet or exercise obsessively although bone-thin
- often hurts themselves or other people, destroys property, or breaks the law
- does things that can be life threatening
If you think there may be a problem concerning your child, it's probably a good idea to talk with a caring, compassionate professional at Southwest Mental Health Center. Call us at 877-676-KIDS.
