Did you know that it is just as important for you to have your children screened for social and emotional health issues if you sense
there is a problem as it is for you to have your children’s vision and hearing tested if you sense a problem? One in five young people has a serious mental health problem (depression, ADHD, anxiety, conduct, and eating disorders) at any given time, according to the U.S. National Health Information Center. However, the majority of people who have mental health problems are not getting the help they need.
Like adults, children and adolescents can have mental health conditions that interfere with the way they think, feel, and act. When untreated, mental health conditions can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Below are some symptoms you could look for if you are concerned your child may be struggling with a mental health condition:
- Mood Changes that last at least two weeks
- Intense feelings, such as overwhelming fear for no reason
- Behavior changes such as dangerous or out-of-control behavior or drastic personality changes
- Difficulty concentrating such as trouble focusing or sitting still
- Changes in school performance
- Unexplained weight loss or sudden loss of appetite
- Physical harm such as suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
- Substance use such as using drugs or alcohol to cope with their feelings
If you start to notice any of the above symptoms in your child, please don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician or family physician. You can even contact Bay Arenac Behavioral Health’s Emergency Services Crisis line at 989-895-2300 or 1-800-327-4693. Remember: Your child’s mental health is just as important as your child’s physical health.
Bay Arenac Behavioral Health offers behavioral health services to children, adults, families, and the older population. In order to receive services through Bay Arenac Behavioral Health, a person must have Medicaid or no insurance and must have a serious mental health condition, a serious emotional disturbance, or have a developmental disability. If you are looking to enroll in services with Bay Arenac Behavioral Health, please contact Access Alliance of Michigan at 1-800-448-5498 and they will be glad to help!