No parent wants to think about their child contracting a mental health condition. However, millions of children have been diagnosed during the last few years, and so the chances are higher than you might think. There is no need to stress about anything though. Even the most severe mental health disorders can be handled well with effective medication and counselling. You just need to educate yourself ahead of time to ensure you deal with the diagnosis in the right way.
We’ve listed some of the most common mental health issues you should research before moving forward. Sometimes understanding the condition correctly will make your life easier.
Depression
You might argue that children have little in their lives to make them depressed. That is because you don’t fully understand the concept. Depression is not something that happens because you feel let down or dissatisfied. It comes from a chemical imbalance in the brain that means your child can’t make themselves feel good, regardless of their situation. Kids who suffer from depression are not going to seem happy a lot of the time. Altering the food they eat could make a big difference. Also, medications like Prozac and Cipramil could help to stabilize their condition. They should also add some normality to their life. However, you need to seek professional help as soon as possible if you are concerned.
Anxiety
Anxiety and depression often come hand in hand. So, it is likely your child will have to deal with both of the conditions. The main issue with anxiety is that it can stop your kids from dealing with social situations properly. That means they might struggle to make friends and find a decent job when they finally leave school. Again, there are lots of medications available that can take the edge off a little. Just make sure you ask your doctor for something that does not contain sedatives. Being tired all the time could have an even worse effect on your child’s life in the long term.
ADHD
ADHD is a rather new term for a condition that has been recognized by doctors for a long time. It can make your child far too energetic and boisterous, regardless of how much exercise they undertake. Children with ADHD often have trouble making friends. That is because they can come across as somewhat aggressive. Drugs like Ritalin have been proven to work. However, many parents are concerned about the long-term effects of the medication. Click here for more info about one of the main alternatives that are known to produce good results. You can also speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. They should be more than willing to put your mind at ease.
Image Source: Anthony Kelly
Out of all the mental health conditions doctors encounter today, those three are the most common by far. Around one in every seven children will have to deal with them at some point during their life. All you can do as a parent is ensure they get the medical treatment they require. Also, spending time with your child and explaining the situation in a manner they can understand is a good idea.
The last thing you want is a confused and scared kid on your hands who can’t work out why they have to keep going to the hospital.
