mental illness. During my career I have implemented many therapeutic interventions for children with mental illness which have included family therapy, play therapy, talk therapy, social skills groups, parenting classes/support groups and behavioral management techniques.
BDO: There are many signs of mental illness that parents may not notice, what are some signs parents should pay attention to with their children?
KW: One of the major concerns that some parents often deal with involves their children having mental health challenges. This includes Depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorders, and Attention –Deficit-Hyperactivity -Disorder, to name a few. It is important to recognize when your child has a change in behavior or seems to display emotional distress that may seem unusual for your child.
It is crucial for your child to be examined by a pediatrician to rule out any medical condition that may be contributing to behavioral changes. If your child’s pediatrician determines that there is no underlying medical condition your pediatrician will likely refer your child to a mental health professional.
These are some behavioral changes to recognize that parents should be aware of, however, children may not display all these symptoms and some symptoms may be specific for a particular illness. It is also critical to be mindful of the duration of time that these symptoms are present. Typically, these symptoms are