Mental Health

Did you know that 20% of all children between 11-18 years old have such severe mental illness that professional help is needed? That's one out of every five kids! Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and other mental illnesses may cause difficulty with relationships and behavior, as well as problems at school or with the police.

Mental health problems in young people can also lead to tragic consequences such as suicide, substance abuse, the inability to live independently, involvement with the correctional system, failure to complete high school, a lack of vocational success, and health problems.

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Read More About It:

Let's Talk About Common Childhood Disorders          One of a series of brochures by the American Psychiatric Association to reduce stigma associated with mental illness by promoting factual discussion of the disorders and treatments.

How To Choose a Therapist For Your Child          This clinic therapist has developed a guide to assist in choosing your child's therapist.

12 Questions About Your Child's Mental Health          Twelve questions parents should ask about their child's mental health from the Center For Mental Health Services, US Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Your Child's Mental Health-What's Up Doc?          This brief article is part of the Caring For Every Child's Mental Health Campaign from the Federal Center for Mental Health Services.

Choosing a Mental Health Professional          Parents will find beneficial advice from the Child Study Center at New York University such as this article about finding a mental health professional for your child.

Additional Links:

National Mental Health Information Center    www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/child/childhealth.asp       The National Mental Health Information Center is a site developed for individuals and family members receiving mental health services. In addition, resources are available to the general public, policy makers, service providers, and the media.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry    www.aacap.org/page.ww?name=Talking+To+Kids+About+Mental+Illnesses§ion=Facts+for+Families       This organization works to create a better understanding of mental illnesses and remove the stigma associated with it. Special topics include prevention, proper treatment and accessible services for children of all ages.

Athealth.com    www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders/disorders.htm       Athealth.com provides general information about mental health and associated professionals. The site provides consumers with an A-Z guide of useful information about various mental health disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)    www.nimh.nih.gov/       Mental illnesses are recognized as common health-related conditions. Signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are all described in this helpful resource.

CopeCareDeal.org    www.copecaredeal.org        This website is a resource for teens to learn about mental health disorders and ways to care, cope and deal with mental health issues for themselves and others.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)    www.nami.org       The National Alliance on Mental Illness is one of the nation's largest mental health organization of it's kind. It is dedicated to improving the lives of anyone affected by mental illness.

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