As one would imagine, working closely with children allows you a glimpse, and then some, into their busy world. You hear first-hand feedback about what they like, what they don’t, and what things are bothering them. “Big” problems with friends, those do-or-die standardized tests, and hectic schedules that have kids running here to there are just a few of the things consuming kids’ minds.
Children of today confront such a host of stressors, with teenagers considered to experience stress levels similar to adults. Acknowledging these challenges necessitates the need for greater awareness of mental health issues that trouble children and teens, as well as cultivating an environment of less stigma for parents and families who would benefit from professional help.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and May 10th specifically is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. It is estimated that one in five American children is impacted by some type of mental health condition. Today’s children and the stressful lives they may live can too often result in depression, crippling anxiety, or drug use. Add to that the children who may be struggling due to conditions like AD/HD, learning disabilities, or another medical or developmental disorder. It is indeed a marathon, whereby parents, teachers and other’s actively involved in caring for children must stay vigilant and in-touch with the mental health needs of our youth.
Mental Health Statistics
If you weren’t already paying attention, here are some surprising statistics about our children. In 2015 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that close to 11% of Florida children ages 12-17 suffered from a significant depressive episode the year prior. Consistent with this concern, CNN recently reported on the alarming percentage of children and teenagers that were hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and behavior. The SAMHSA survey also identified that about 12% of Florida’s youth aged 12-20 acknowledged binge alcohol use the month prior.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also accumulated startling data from parents. A national survey from 2012 identified 1 out of 7 young children (aged 2-8) had a diagnosable developmental, mental, or behavioral disorder. Additional CDC data analysis resulted in the following specific diagnosed conditions for children ages 3-17: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (6.8%); Behavioral Problems (3.5%); Anxiety (3%); Depression (2.1%); Autism Spectrum Disorder (1.1%). We must not forget that suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 12–17.
Whether we often hear that things are “fine,” or we learn that our child’s class practiced a “lock-down” drill at school, the stressors confronting our kids today are real and plentiful. Being more aware and open to these mental health hurdles can help make a supportive and substantial difference in the lives of our children and young people.
In The News (Around the Office):
- The next “Coping With Divorce class is Saturday, May 12th, from 9am-1pm
- We are a diaper drop off location for the Central Florida Postpartum Alliance Diaper Drive.
Contact our office for any questions about your family’s mental health needs.
-John Grbac, Psy.D.
