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 a lot;
• 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;
• worry about 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 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 from Southwest
Mental Health Center. Call us at 210-616-0300.