Psychological help for children can come from many sources--professionals, parents, teachers, pastors, family members and even peers. When dealing with the particular problems of childhood and adolescence, it's important to understand they are not just little adults, but have a unique set of developmental tasks and stages that need to be addressed and understood. As they attempt to contend with the world in 2010, children face many pressures that did not exist and could not be imagined 50 to 100 years ago.
Identification
According to "Healthy People 2010," led by the National Institutes of Health, "mental health is a state of successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity." Psychological disorders may then be marked by poor performance of cognitive functioning, altered abilities to meet daily tasks and lack of healthy coping abilities. In children, this can be seen as acting out, behavioral and emotional disturbances, poor school performance, sleep and appetite changes, anxiety and withdrawal, substance abuse issues and suicide ideation.
Prevalence
About 20 percent of American youth are affected by some type of mental disorder to the extent that it affects their ability to function on a daily basis. Only about half of American children and teenagers who have mental disorders receive professional help, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). Data reveals that children and adolescents ages 8 to 15 most commonly have the following psychological disorders: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), significant depression, behavioral or conduct disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder and either anorexia or bulimia. Some have more than one disorder, usually a combination of ADHD and conduct disorder or depression with anxiety.
Parents
Mental Illness continues to carry a stigma in 2010. Arizona psychologist Kevin Leman, Ph.D., father of five and author of 21 books, advises parents to step up to the plate. Leman states, "Don't find a therapist for your child; if there's a problem and you want to seek outside help, you go." He doesn't believe in "rushing kids off to a shrink." He explains society is quick to pin labels on kids, which takes parents off the hook and may cause your child to feel abnormal. Daily challenges such as sibling rivalry, bullying or being bullied, pressures to conform and possibly turning to drugs, alcohol or sex are all issues parents should handle at home. He encourages seeking parenting tips, but to be your child's first resource for support, information and advocacy. Leman distinguishes the need for professional help if daily tasks are not being met and/or the child displays tendencies such as extreme withdrawal, aggression or talks of suicide.
Expert Insight
If you should decide your child needs the help of an expert, you may consider a child psychologist or psychiatrist. These two professionals differ in function and education. The function of a child psychologist is to help your child problem-solve, develop healthy coping skills and build self-worth. These professionals look to build trust with your child to help him or her feel safe and not judged. They can help your child to distinguish how they honestly feel and steps they can take to improve their situation.
A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who knows the functioning of the brain, as well as the entire body, and cognitive abilities. If your child needs medication for physical and/or mental stability, they can assess the need and prescribe the medications necessary. Often the psychologist and psychiatrist work together to help the whole child.
Considerations
Since divorce occurs in one out of every two marriages, this must be seriously looked at as a common psychological factor where children may need help beyond their parents, who are often distracted and self-absorbed. Whether parents are devastated or relieved, divorce leaves children frightened, insecure and confused. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reports it is common for children to assume responsibility for the divorce and will "sacrifice themselves" to try and reconcile parents or let parents turn to them for comfort and support. This may be a vital opportunity for an objective and supportive professional to help guide your child through healthy boundaries and coping skills.
