Join us on Wednesday at 6pm at Porter-Starke Services in Valparaiso. We will have Mary Beth Schultz as our guest speaker. She is an expert on domestic viloence and will provide information on that subject. Ms.Schultz will answer questions after the discussion and there will also be a group discussion.
Teen/Young Adult Group to meet Tuesday June 8th.
We are very excited to announce this all new group. If you are between the ages of 11 and twenty-something we hope you will join us for this discussion group. It will begin at 6pm at Porter-Starke Services, 601 Wall St.
Monday, May 31, 2004
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
In Memory of Mallory 12/20/90 to 5/20/04
She was too young to die, but during her short life she touched so many people. Mallory was a ray of sunshine on a stormy day. Hundreds of people filled the church to overflowing to say goodbye to a girl who was taken from this world far too soon. Many of these mourners were teenagers and some were younger, as Mallory had left behind a younger sister, and an older sister and brother. How do so many teenagers understand something like death? When you are a teenager you believe you are invincible, that nothing can touch you. It is devastating to discover that this is not true. When a teen loses a loved one they suffer intensely. As adults we often disregard their intense feelings because we are dealing with the loss ourselves or we think they will recover sooner since they are young and resilient. We have taught them to suppress their anger. They know it is okay to feel sadness, but anger will not benefit anyone. This is not true. They need to express their anger. They have been abandoned by someone they love. That is painful,it is not fair and it makes them angry. It is one of the most natural responses to the loss they are feeling. We need to reassure them, that as adults we are there for them. We will not judge their anger or their fear. The fear of being left behind or the fear of also being taken before their time.
Grief is a very unique to each of us, but for adolescents it is complex, often beyond their realm of understanding. They may push us away when we try to help them and thinking that solitude is what they need we will let them. We often have the misconception that because they look like adults now, that they think like adults.
They may exhibit stages of shock and disbelief. If they don't think about it maybe it won't hurt so much. They can function as if life is going on as usual when they are actually feeling numb and as yet unaware of the pain. This stage often lasts for the first few weeks after the event. They often cry, ache, don't sleep, have a difficult time making decisions, may yell and fight with family and friends and may fluctuate between denial and anger.
During the next stage of the grieving process the numbness has ended and the guilt, depression, hopelessness, anger, and increased sensitivity occur. This could begin a few weeks after the death and continue for months.
Guilt is a natural process. All adolescents have disagreements with friends and family, but when a death occurs the teen will take guilt and responsibility for the tragedy. "If only I had told her I loved her more," "If only I had driven instead of him." These are normal feelings for everyone, but are often more intense for teens. Thoughts of suicide are also common during this stage. As parents we have to be willing to listen without judgment or panic. We hear that our child doesn't want to live and we panic, get angry or frightened and often don't let them express their feelings. When what we really need to do is listen. You can't fix this pain for them and they are entitled to it. It is normal to think of escaping the pain or joining the person they loved. Often when you share that you have felt this way too and it is all part of the grief process it is reassuring to them. Do be aware of the true signs of suicide. If they have a plan on how they would end their own life, seek professional help immediately. This is not a time to wait and see if they feel better in a day or two. Call a suicide hotline or go directly to your nearest emergency room. It is better to be safe than sorry.
During the next few months, 3-6 months after the death, you may find your teen trying to pretend as if nothing happened. They may tell you they don't want to talk about it anymore. They may gain or loss weight and try to change their location or lifestyle in order to get out of the surroundings that remind them so much of what they wish had never occured. It is a temporary solution to a permanet problem. This is the stage where a true depression can set in and they begin to feel like they will never stop grieving. Know the signs and seek help if you feel medication may be needed temporarily. To admit you need help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
Time does heal all wounds or at least lessen them so we can tolerate them. It could take up to two years. For some, more and others less. A good support network can help shorten the process for some and professional counseling for others. You will see your teen emerge again from the grief and sorrow that has been a constant companion for so long. They could feel hopeful and optimistic. Ready to move on, but never forget. There will still be times when the grief will resurface, birthdays, anniversary's of the death, and joyous occasions that their loved one can't share and will never experience. It will be cleansing for all of you to talk about your feelings openly and honestly. It is good to cry together and laugh together while sharing memories.
As I said earlier, grief is different for everyone. We must help each other through it and hopefully we will all emerge on the other side closer and more bonded than ever. Don't let your teen or child grieve alone. Don't hide your grief from them and tell them they need to be strong for each other. They need to love and support each other, share and be honest with each other and hopefully move forward together hand in hand.
In closing, Mallory, you will never be forgotten and in time hopefully your family and friends will be able to accept and cope with their loss, even though they may never really understand it. Please help guide them through this process and help them remember your beautiful spirit that was the true essence of life.
Grief is a very unique to each of us, but for adolescents it is complex, often beyond their realm of understanding. They may push us away when we try to help them and thinking that solitude is what they need we will let them. We often have the misconception that because they look like adults now, that they think like adults.
They may exhibit stages of shock and disbelief. If they don't think about it maybe it won't hurt so much. They can function as if life is going on as usual when they are actually feeling numb and as yet unaware of the pain. This stage often lasts for the first few weeks after the event. They often cry, ache, don't sleep, have a difficult time making decisions, may yell and fight with family and friends and may fluctuate between denial and anger.
During the next stage of the grieving process the numbness has ended and the guilt, depression, hopelessness, anger, and increased sensitivity occur. This could begin a few weeks after the death and continue for months.
Guilt is a natural process. All adolescents have disagreements with friends and family, but when a death occurs the teen will take guilt and responsibility for the tragedy. "If only I had told her I loved her more," "If only I had driven instead of him." These are normal feelings for everyone, but are often more intense for teens. Thoughts of suicide are also common during this stage. As parents we have to be willing to listen without judgment or panic. We hear that our child doesn't want to live and we panic, get angry or frightened and often don't let them express their feelings. When what we really need to do is listen. You can't fix this pain for them and they are entitled to it. It is normal to think of escaping the pain or joining the person they loved. Often when you share that you have felt this way too and it is all part of the grief process it is reassuring to them. Do be aware of the true signs of suicide. If they have a plan on how they would end their own life, seek professional help immediately. This is not a time to wait and see if they feel better in a day or two. Call a suicide hotline or go directly to your nearest emergency room. It is better to be safe than sorry.
During the next few months, 3-6 months after the death, you may find your teen trying to pretend as if nothing happened. They may tell you they don't want to talk about it anymore. They may gain or loss weight and try to change their location or lifestyle in order to get out of the surroundings that remind them so much of what they wish had never occured. It is a temporary solution to a permanet problem. This is the stage where a true depression can set in and they begin to feel like they will never stop grieving. Know the signs and seek help if you feel medication may be needed temporarily. To admit you need help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
Time does heal all wounds or at least lessen them so we can tolerate them. It could take up to two years. For some, more and others less. A good support network can help shorten the process for some and professional counseling for others. You will see your teen emerge again from the grief and sorrow that has been a constant companion for so long. They could feel hopeful and optimistic. Ready to move on, but never forget. There will still be times when the grief will resurface, birthdays, anniversary's of the death, and joyous occasions that their loved one can't share and will never experience. It will be cleansing for all of you to talk about your feelings openly and honestly. It is good to cry together and laugh together while sharing memories.
As I said earlier, grief is different for everyone. We must help each other through it and hopefully we will all emerge on the other side closer and more bonded than ever. Don't let your teen or child grieve alone. Don't hide your grief from them and tell them they need to be strong for each other. They need to love and support each other, share and be honest with each other and hopefully move forward together hand in hand.
In closing, Mallory, you will never be forgotten and in time hopefully your family and friends will be able to accept and cope with their loss, even though they may never really understand it. Please help guide them through this process and help them remember your beautiful spirit that was the true essence of life.
Monday, May 24, 2004
New Group to meet 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
I am proud to announce the formation of an additional support group in Porter county. After much discussion, for many years, we have finally done it. This group will be a peer to peer group to support teens and young adults. We still want them to attend the Wednesday meetings in Valparaiso and the Monday meetings in Merrillville because we need them there to set us straight on how things really are for them. Those meetings will still be open to the public and include everyone from families with children to adults and caregivers. The new group is of course open to the public also, but we will be discussing things that are relevant to teens and young adults. We also want to include the bipolar/mood disorder adolescent, beginning at age 10, because as we all know, they are already wise beyond their years. We want young people to feel free to discuss what is important to them and to meet others that have similar problems. We will look forward to seeing you there. Please tell your friends and families about this group. Help spread the word.
See you on June 8th for our first meeting.
See you on June 8th for our first meeting.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Hospitalization: What You Should Know Before You Go.
Last night at the DBSA meeting the group had a varied discussion on hospitalization. It is not something any of us want to think about for ourselves, but is even harder when we must consider it for our children. Sometimes it is the only answer and a far better one than looking the other way. Children I know of as young as five have attempted suicide. With teens, the numbers are skyrocketing. It is not unusual for a bipolar child or teen to be hospitalized and parents should expect this and try to be prepared. I know it is not something we really want to prepare for, but if your child had cancer you would check out the hospitals to be sure your child got the best care possible. When dealing with a mental facility this is even more important. They are not all created equally. If you have health insurance, you may not have a choice of which facility to use. Be sure to call your mental health plan administrator and take notes. In a time of crisis you will probably not be able to think straight, let alone make all the calls and decisions. Some of the things to ask about if you do call or visit a unit are:
How many registered nurses are on a unit. There should be more than one, and more nurses than psych technicians and aids.
Ask about involuntary administration of medication, seclusion and restraints. These should only be used as a last resort or not at all.
Find out how often you will be able to see and speak to your child. Often a children's unit will only let you visit on certain days and times. They often want the child to have as little contact with the parents as possible because they feel the parent is the child's main problem. This is extremely important if your child is very young or if they have separation issues.
Find out what happens when your child is released. Is there a support group for your child and for you? Do they offer parenting classes? Will your child require special aftercare such as a half day program for a while?
It will never be easy to put your child in a hospital even if you think it would be a real relief for a little while. The more you know and the more prepared you are the easier it will be to deal with.
Pack a bag to take with the child. Be sure to include a stuffed animal for them to sleep with. Usually with clothing they want you to send two of everything and label it all with your child's name. Leave everything else at home. The hospital will check the bag and you will have to sign off on the contents. If the child is allowed any other items, like a favorite quilt or music, the staff will advise you and you can bring it when you visit. Be sure before you leave you know what number to call to check on your child and who you would contact with a complaint or problem. Hopefully you won't have any problems, but it is good to be prepared.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Try to find a support group for yourself.
How many registered nurses are on a unit. There should be more than one, and more nurses than psych technicians and aids.
Ask about involuntary administration of medication, seclusion and restraints. These should only be used as a last resort or not at all.
Find out how often you will be able to see and speak to your child. Often a children's unit will only let you visit on certain days and times. They often want the child to have as little contact with the parents as possible because they feel the parent is the child's main problem. This is extremely important if your child is very young or if they have separation issues.
Find out what happens when your child is released. Is there a support group for your child and for you? Do they offer parenting classes? Will your child require special aftercare such as a half day program for a while?
It will never be easy to put your child in a hospital even if you think it would be a real relief for a little while. The more you know and the more prepared you are the easier it will be to deal with.
Pack a bag to take with the child. Be sure to include a stuffed animal for them to sleep with. Usually with clothing they want you to send two of everything and label it all with your child's name. Leave everything else at home. The hospital will check the bag and you will have to sign off on the contents. If the child is allowed any other items, like a favorite quilt or music, the staff will advise you and you can bring it when you visit. Be sure before you leave you know what number to call to check on your child and who you would contact with a complaint or problem. Hopefully you won't have any problems, but it is good to be prepared.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Try to find a support group for yourself.
Meeting Reminder
Next meeting will be in Merrillville on May 24th.
In Merrillville the group meets at 7pm at Methodist Hospital's Southlake Campus.
Last night was our meeting in Valparaiso. It was a good group with a lively discussion. There was interest conveyed in a group for the younger consumers. I think beginning just before the teen years and continuing into adulthood. I am proposing the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Porter-Starke. I would love to have the teens be instrumental in setting up this group. I also want them to feel free to discuss whatever is on their minds in an open setting of their peers. Everything they say in that room will remain confidential. Many of us wish there had been a group like this when we were teenagers. I hope all the teens will spread the word and this can become a group you will enjoy spending time at. Keep an eye on this site for further information.
Next meeting will be in Merrillville on May 24th.
In Merrillville the group meets at 7pm at Methodist Hospital's Southlake Campus.
Last night was our meeting in Valparaiso. It was a good group with a lively discussion. There was interest conveyed in a group for the younger consumers. I think beginning just before the teen years and continuing into adulthood. I am proposing the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Porter-Starke. I would love to have the teens be instrumental in setting up this group. I also want them to feel free to discuss whatever is on their minds in an open setting of their peers. Everything they say in that room will remain confidential. Many of us wish there had been a group like this when we were teenagers. I hope all the teens will spread the word and this can become a group you will enjoy spending time at. Keep an eye on this site for further information.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Next DBSA meeting will be in Valparaiso on Wednesday May 19th 6-8pm
This meeting will be at Porter-Starke Services at 601 Wall St. It will be a rap session where anyone who wants to share is given a chance to. We always learn so much at these meetings and can ask questions of those who have been there. We hope to see you there.
With summer almost here and so many kids home from college for the summer we at DBSA NWIN were wondering if there was a need and an interest in a separate support group for the younger consumers. Teens to young adult. At the present group everyone is welcome and we do have a wide variation of ages. Let's face it though, teens are a group unto themselves. If they are bipolar or suffer depression they have questions and situations all of there own that they would like information on. Such as dating, school, life after school, suicide, meds and their effects on your body. I am sure many teens and young adults think they are alone in this illness, but it is amazing how many others there are out there with the same problems, just no one to share them with. So if you are a teen or know a teen that you think would be interested, let us know at DBSA NWIN and we will get started on a group just for you. You can contact us directly by clicking on the link to the National DBSAlliance and go to Indiana support groups, you will see us there. Also feel free to click on comments under this entry and tell us what you think of this idea. It is confidential so don't be afraid to be honest. We hope to hear from you and see you on Wednesday the 19th.
This meeting will be at Porter-Starke Services at 601 Wall St. It will be a rap session where anyone who wants to share is given a chance to. We always learn so much at these meetings and can ask questions of those who have been there. We hope to see you there.
With summer almost here and so many kids home from college for the summer we at DBSA NWIN were wondering if there was a need and an interest in a separate support group for the younger consumers. Teens to young adult. At the present group everyone is welcome and we do have a wide variation of ages. Let's face it though, teens are a group unto themselves. If they are bipolar or suffer depression they have questions and situations all of there own that they would like information on. Such as dating, school, life after school, suicide, meds and their effects on your body. I am sure many teens and young adults think they are alone in this illness, but it is amazing how many others there are out there with the same problems, just no one to share them with. So if you are a teen or know a teen that you think would be interested, let us know at DBSA NWIN and we will get started on a group just for you. You can contact us directly by clicking on the link to the National DBSAlliance and go to Indiana support groups, you will see us there. Also feel free to click on comments under this entry and tell us what you think of this idea. It is confidential so don't be afraid to be honest. We hope to hear from you and see you on Wednesday the 19th.
Monday, May 10, 2004
Merrillville Meeting Reminder
Monday May 10th at 7pm DBSA will be holding their meeting at the Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus. This will be a discussion meeting and we hope you can all attend.
You will notice that this site has changed it's look a little. The parent blogger has offered some updated looks and options. There will be a place now to add comments. Please feel free to do so. If there is something you would like to see more information about or if you would like to give some input just click on comments and type away.
As for what is new at DBSA NW Indiana we are hoping to send two members to the National DBSA conference held in Pittsburgh, PA in August. We will be trying to plan some fund raisers to help get them there. Of course, I will keep you posted on that.
Monday May 10th at 7pm DBSA will be holding their meeting at the Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus. This will be a discussion meeting and we hope you can all attend.
You will notice that this site has changed it's look a little. The parent blogger has offered some updated looks and options. There will be a place now to add comments. Please feel free to do so. If there is something you would like to see more information about or if you would like to give some input just click on comments and type away.
As for what is new at DBSA NW Indiana we are hoping to send two members to the National DBSA conference held in Pittsburgh, PA in August. We will be trying to plan some fund raisers to help get them there. Of course, I will keep you posted on that.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
DBSA Meeting Update
I was planning to log on this morning and tell you all about the wonderful speaker meeting I attended last night, but that will not be the case. Pam Arnold, our scheduled speaker, had car trouble and was unable to make it to the meeting. I think that is the first time we have ever had a speaker cancel at the last minute. We will try to have her come again when she gets a new car.
We had a great meeting even though it was without a speaker. We had some people that were relatively new to the support group. They were such a pleasure to meet. They have a foster child who is a young teen and is bipolar. Most of us know or have heard about the difficulties of raising a teenager, but to raise a bipolar teen that you did not have from day one. This wonderful couple is to be commended. We enjoyed meeting them and sharing our knowledge and experiences with them.
Although we always love our children there are times when we don't really like them. You all know the days I am talking about. When you have heard "I hate you" so many times you are starting to believe it. Those days when the siblings have taken so much abuse that you just want to sit down and cry with them. Sometimes those days come too often and then suddenly there appears that child you know and love. At that moment, when they are once again telling you how much they love you and how sorry they are you know it is all worthwhile. You wouldn't trade that child, with all those problems, for anything in the world. Those are the moments that we need to hold on to and remember.
Our children can not control being bipolar anymore than they could control having cancer. If you are not bipolar and did not pass this disorder on to your child you are lucky in some ways, but out of the loop in others. I have heard from so many people that it is really hard to understand this disorder if you haven't been there. You can try to imagine,but you will probably always fall short. Just know that compassion and understanding are the most important things you can offer. Be there and be a parent, make the rules and stick by them no matter how much you want to give in. Provide that consistency that bipolar kids need so desperately. Take time to try and be a "normal" family. That is all any of us really want anyway, isn't it? Enjoy the time you have with your child because like cancer, mental illness can take your child from you at anytime. Love them now, in all there beauty and ugliness, because you never want to say "If only I would have been a better parent." Step up and be a better parent now. Learn about the disorder your child has and how you can help. Let them know that you accept them as they are and love them flaws and all.
I was planning to log on this morning and tell you all about the wonderful speaker meeting I attended last night, but that will not be the case. Pam Arnold, our scheduled speaker, had car trouble and was unable to make it to the meeting. I think that is the first time we have ever had a speaker cancel at the last minute. We will try to have her come again when she gets a new car.
We had a great meeting even though it was without a speaker. We had some people that were relatively new to the support group. They were such a pleasure to meet. They have a foster child who is a young teen and is bipolar. Most of us know or have heard about the difficulties of raising a teenager, but to raise a bipolar teen that you did not have from day one. This wonderful couple is to be commended. We enjoyed meeting them and sharing our knowledge and experiences with them.
Although we always love our children there are times when we don't really like them. You all know the days I am talking about. When you have heard "I hate you" so many times you are starting to believe it. Those days when the siblings have taken so much abuse that you just want to sit down and cry with them. Sometimes those days come too often and then suddenly there appears that child you know and love. At that moment, when they are once again telling you how much they love you and how sorry they are you know it is all worthwhile. You wouldn't trade that child, with all those problems, for anything in the world. Those are the moments that we need to hold on to and remember.
Our children can not control being bipolar anymore than they could control having cancer. If you are not bipolar and did not pass this disorder on to your child you are lucky in some ways, but out of the loop in others. I have heard from so many people that it is really hard to understand this disorder if you haven't been there. You can try to imagine,but you will probably always fall short. Just know that compassion and understanding are the most important things you can offer. Be there and be a parent, make the rules and stick by them no matter how much you want to give in. Provide that consistency that bipolar kids need so desperately. Take time to try and be a "normal" family. That is all any of us really want anyway, isn't it? Enjoy the time you have with your child because like cancer, mental illness can take your child from you at anytime. Love them now, in all there beauty and ugliness, because you never want to say "If only I would have been a better parent." Step up and be a better parent now. Learn about the disorder your child has and how you can help. Let them know that you accept them as they are and love them flaws and all.
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Meeting Reminder
DBSA Speaker Meeting Wednesday May 5,2004
601 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN
Pam Arnold will be our guest speaker. Her topic will be the Importance of Communication. I hope you all will be able to join us at the meeting, but I know sometimes it is impossible with kids and other commitments. I will be posting the notes from Pam Arnold's discussion on Thursday so you can read what you missed.
Mark your calender for the meeting on May 19th. This will be our usual rap session. This is always a lively discussion about family, medications and general health issues. It is a time for us all to get the support we need and to share our knowledge to help others know that they are not alone.
Be sure to join the group in Merrilllville on May 10th and 24th. The Monday night meetings there are from 7-9pm.
Methodist Hospital Southlake Campus
8701 Broadway
I realize there are a lot of parents in the Crown Point area that would like to have more discussion and information available on bipolar children at the Merrillville meetings. If you come to those meetings please convey that interest and we will continue to provide more support for the parents there. It is a great oppertunity to meet eachother and discuss the school situations and parenting issues. It is also a chance to make a connection with others in your area. Parents with a child just like yours that you didn't know was your neighbor.
DBSA Speaker Meeting Wednesday May 5,2004
601 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN
Pam Arnold will be our guest speaker. Her topic will be the Importance of Communication. I hope you all will be able to join us at the meeting, but I know sometimes it is impossible with kids and other commitments. I will be posting the notes from Pam Arnold's discussion on Thursday so you can read what you missed.
Mark your calender for the meeting on May 19th. This will be our usual rap session. This is always a lively discussion about family, medications and general health issues. It is a time for us all to get the support we need and to share our knowledge to help others know that they are not alone.
Be sure to join the group in Merrilllville on May 10th and 24th. The Monday night meetings there are from 7-9pm.
Methodist Hospital Southlake Campus
8701 Broadway
I realize there are a lot of parents in the Crown Point area that would like to have more discussion and information available on bipolar children at the Merrillville meetings. If you come to those meetings please convey that interest and we will continue to provide more support for the parents there. It is a great oppertunity to meet eachother and discuss the school situations and parenting issues. It is also a chance to make a connection with others in your area. Parents with a child just like yours that you didn't know was your neighbor.
Sunday, May 02, 2004
Children's Mental Health Week
May 2-8, 2004
This week long observance was began in 1997 to promote awareness of Mental Health issues in children and adolescents. It is sponsored by the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, a national, family-run organization dedicated to helping children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life.
Most Mental Health problems in children and adolescents are either biological or environmental. Biological causes could be genetics, chemical imbalances, or damage to the central nervous system.
Environmental factors could include exposure to high levels of lead, being a victim of or witness to violence, such as physical or sexual abuse, extreme stress caused by chronic poverty, witnessing drug abuse, or the loss of a loved one due to divorce,death, or broken relationships.
On May 4th of this week we recognize Childhood Depression Awareness Day. If you were ever depressed as a child or adolescent or are a parent of such a child then you realize what a real and treatable problem childhood depression is. Make an effort on May 4th to share that information with someone who may not be aware. Someone who says "What does a child have to be depressed about?" I am sure you all know someone like that. Go to your child's school and ask their teacher to speak to the students about depression and suicide or to let you speak to them. No one wants to be a parent or teacher who realizes too late that maybe they could have made a difference. It is never too early to begin discussing suicide. Let children know they are not alone in these thoughts and there is help.
There are usually definite signs and symptoms of depression in children and adolescents. They include, but are not limited to, school absences, poor school performance or a disregard for quality of lessons, loss of interest in normal activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits; not eating or eating too much and often sleeping for long periods without feeling rested, aches and pains without physical reasons, substance abuse, withdrawal or change in peer relationships and thoughts about death or suicide. Children are at a greater risk of suffering from depression or other mental disorders if there is a family history of depression, substance abuse, or other mental disorders. Depression in children is a real and serious illness. It should not be disregarded as a "phase that will pass," it is treatable once diagnosed, but it can become worse and lead to suicide if left untreated. Support from family members, peers, teachers and health care providers is important. For this to occur, awareness that Childhood Depression is a real and common illness must take place. Don't let it be disregarded as a phase.
If you are a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver you should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. Take the time to learn about other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, opositional defiant disorder and anxiety disorder. These are all treatable illnesses that affect children. Know where you can go to get the help you need. The yellow pages, mental health hotlines, your health insurance provider, and the internet are a few places to begin. Don't let your fear of the unknown stop you from helping and possibly saving the life of a child. In addition, family members may find it helpful to join a local support group for additional assistance and support. Log on to dbsalliance.org for information on a support group in your area.
May 2-8, 2004
This week long observance was began in 1997 to promote awareness of Mental Health issues in children and adolescents. It is sponsored by the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, a national, family-run organization dedicated to helping children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life.
Most Mental Health problems in children and adolescents are either biological or environmental. Biological causes could be genetics, chemical imbalances, or damage to the central nervous system.
Environmental factors could include exposure to high levels of lead, being a victim of or witness to violence, such as physical or sexual abuse, extreme stress caused by chronic poverty, witnessing drug abuse, or the loss of a loved one due to divorce,death, or broken relationships.
On May 4th of this week we recognize Childhood Depression Awareness Day. If you were ever depressed as a child or adolescent or are a parent of such a child then you realize what a real and treatable problem childhood depression is. Make an effort on May 4th to share that information with someone who may not be aware. Someone who says "What does a child have to be depressed about?" I am sure you all know someone like that. Go to your child's school and ask their teacher to speak to the students about depression and suicide or to let you speak to them. No one wants to be a parent or teacher who realizes too late that maybe they could have made a difference. It is never too early to begin discussing suicide. Let children know they are not alone in these thoughts and there is help.
There are usually definite signs and symptoms of depression in children and adolescents. They include, but are not limited to, school absences, poor school performance or a disregard for quality of lessons, loss of interest in normal activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits; not eating or eating too much and often sleeping for long periods without feeling rested, aches and pains without physical reasons, substance abuse, withdrawal or change in peer relationships and thoughts about death or suicide. Children are at a greater risk of suffering from depression or other mental disorders if there is a family history of depression, substance abuse, or other mental disorders. Depression in children is a real and serious illness. It should not be disregarded as a "phase that will pass," it is treatable once diagnosed, but it can become worse and lead to suicide if left untreated. Support from family members, peers, teachers and health care providers is important. For this to occur, awareness that Childhood Depression is a real and common illness must take place. Don't let it be disregarded as a phase.
If you are a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver you should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. Take the time to learn about other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, opositional defiant disorder and anxiety disorder. These are all treatable illnesses that affect children. Know where you can go to get the help you need. The yellow pages, mental health hotlines, your health insurance provider, and the internet are a few places to begin. Don't let your fear of the unknown stop you from helping and possibly saving the life of a child. In addition, family members may find it helpful to join a local support group for additional assistance and support. Log on to dbsalliance.org for information on a support group in your area.
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