The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) both declared the novel coronavirus outbreak as a public health emergency. Countries are on high alert. What steps can individual citizens take?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as well as other agencies tackling mental health have only started focusing on children's and adolescents' mental health within the last two decades. Parents and health care professionals often find it difficult to determine or diagnose a child's or teen's depression or anxiety as it is second-guessed as a "phase" that the young person is going through, and that the same person may just be "acting up".
But what is a "phase"? That could very well be a period of clinical depression or anxiety requiring complete and focused medical care. Or not. As a healthcare provider and a parent, I prefer not to take that chance.
Seeing a child or teen "happy" or smiling at times does not often reveal what is beneath the facade. It is not a secret that many young boys and girls often hide or bottle up their inner thoughts and feelings. But to what extent is it healthy - and when does it become unhealthy?
We cannot rule out internal and external factors affecting young children that lead to depression and anxiety.
Some of these factors include:
- trauma/ violence
- divorce
- homelessness or separation anxiety
- school/ cyber bullying
- identity confusion/ sexual orientation
Depression and anxiety, if left untreated may lead to very dangerous health issues from mental fatigue, weight loss/ eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and violence.
If you suspect depression or anxiety with your child or teen, visit your physician without delay. This should be treated like any other critical health issue or concern.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
You Might Also Enjoy...
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) both declared the novel coronavirus outbreak as a public health emergency. Countries are on high alert. What steps can individual citizens take?
The new year is a time of reflection and vision. Looking forward, the vision must be clear on what you, as a parent or guardian would like accomplished for your child - physically, emotionally and socially.
Holiday travel season begins this month and goes on past the new year. Traveling with children can become an adventure on its own even for travel savvy parents.
The NWS calls for rain showers all day in NYC, evolving into steady rain overnight on Halloween. This could only mean a wet, soggy day for our trick-or-treaters. What do we do? Read about some safety and fun tips to save Halloween and continue the fun.
New York has updated its vaccination requirements eliminating the non-medical exemption to mandatory vaccinations for school children. New medical requirements to be admitted in schools are in effect - both public and private/ parochial.
In today’s world of social media, there are many images promoting the conventional beauty standards, which can lead to unrealistic expectations for one’s own body. Hence, it is important now more than ever to promote and define body positivity.