![]() She has been with Bermuda Hospitals Board for 2 years.Children inherit genes from their parents that give them varied physical appearance, such as color and pattern mutations. Sandy De Silva is employed as a clinical psychologist working with young people between the ages of 4 and 18 years old at Child and Adolescent Services. The good news is that these problems can be recognized and treated, and that caring families and communities can work together to help.įor further information, please call Child and Adolescent Services at 239-6344.ĭr. Mental health problems at any age are real, painful, and can be severe. We must remember that every child’s mental health is important. It is also a good idea to talk to other families, and do some research on family network organizations in your community, church and/or as advertised in the media. The “Helping Services” section of the blue pages in the phone book is also a helpful resource to find the appropriate service to meet your child’s needs. To find the right services for their children, families are encouraged to seek information about treatments and services and obtain referrals from professionals such as general practitioners, pediatricians, school counselors and/or teachers. – Doing things that can be life threatening or threatening to others. – Violating the rights of others or constantly breaking the law without regard for other people, or – Avoiding friends or family and wanting to be alone all the time,Ī child or adolescent behaves in ways that cause problems, such as: – Experiencing unexplained changes in sleeping or eating patterns, – Losing interest in things once enjoyed, – Showing declining performance in school, – Frightened that his or her mind either is controlled or is out of control.Ī child or adolescent experiences big changes, such as: – Constantly over-concerned about physical problems or physical appearance, or – Significant difficulty concentrating and unable to sit still for even short periods of time, – Extremely fearful or having unexplained fears, – Unable to cope with a loss or death of someone important over a prolonged period of time, – Very angry most of the time and crying a lot or overreacting to things, – Sad and hopeless for no reason, and these feelings do not go away, Pay attention if a child or adolescent you know has any of these warning signs: A variety of signs may point to mental health disorders or serious emotional disturbances in children or adolescents. Signs of Mental Health Disorders Can Signal a Need for HelpĬhildren and adolescents with mental health concerns need help. – Exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead. – The loss of important people through death, divorce, or broken relationships and/or – Stress related to having a chronic illness – Stress related to chronic poverty and inadequate housing – Exposure to emotional abuse and/or neglect – Exposure to violence, such as witnessing or being the victim of physical or sexual abuse Many environmental factors also put young people at risk for developing mental health disorders. Research on teen brain development indicates that although teens feel ready to take risks, they are still learning how to think before they act. Examples of biological causes are genetics, chemical imbalances in the body, damage to the central nervous system, such as a head injury, and the development of the child and adolescent’s brain. Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are caused by a combination of biology and environment. A serious emotional disturbance refers to a mental health disorder that severely disrupts daily functioning in home, school, or in the community. At least one in 10, or about 6 million people, have a serious emotional disturbance. Studies in the United States show that at least one in five children and adolescents have a mental health disorder. When mental health concerns interfere with one’s daily functioning, impairing one’s ability to adequately work, socialize, or even meet their basic needs, then the concerns become a mental health disorder. Mental Health Disorders Are More Common in Young People than You Realize When untreated, mental health concerns can lead to school failure, family conflicts, sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Mental health, like physical health, is important at every stage of life. A person’s mental health influences their self-image, self-esteem, mood, energy, attention, and their interactions with the outside world. Children and adolescents, like adults, can have mental health concerns that interfere with the way they think, feel, and act.
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