Does your child have ADHD? They’re not alone. According to the CDC, 7 million US children between 3 and 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. This is likely due to the way the condition develops in boys vs. girls. ADHD can be harder to identify in girls; they tend to have fewer behavioral problems, and symptoms are less noticeable. While boys’ behavior may seem more disruptive, girls with ADHD may be seen as daydreaming or “off in the...
The start of a new school year can be an exciting time. But for students with behavioral health issues, it can also be challenging. Going from a relaxed summer routine to the demands of a school schedule can make it harder to cope with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For students with anxiety and depression, medicine can help stabilize their mood, reduce symptoms, and improve overall well-being. Students with ADHD may rely on medici...
Is your child excited about the start of a new school year—or are they nervous? They may be feeling a little of both. Whether they are preschoolers leaving home for the first time or preteens facing a change of teachers or schools, children of all ages may struggle with back-to-school “jitters.” Here’s how you can help to ease their way into a new school year. Talk about their feelings Small children can have big fears about school. They may be afraid of meeting new teachers and strange children. ...
As children grow into their pre-teen and teenage years, they can become overwhelmed with stress and strong emotions. This includes feelings of anger, anxiety, hopelessness, loneliness, sadness, and more. Some pre-teens and teenagers react to these strong emotions by injuring themselves. Self-injury can mean: Scratching or cutting their skin with sharp objects. Hitting themselves with their fists or hard objects. Pulling out their hair. Burning themselves. What are the warning signs of self-injury? Many ...
Life can be challenging. If you are worried about loved ones or have problems at work or home, you might have times of feeling upset, frightened, or anxious. However, if these feelings are occurring more often—or you don’t know why you feel scared or worried—you might have a condition called “generalized anxiety disorder.” Anxiety disorders can run in families. If one of your parents has an anxiety disorder, you are more likely to develop one at some point. In addition, you might notice signs of anxiety...
Talking about mental health is not always easy. Many people worry that others will judge them or discriminate against them if they have mental health issues. This fear can stop someone from getting the help they need – and that can severely affect their life. Being open about your mental health struggles can help you find resources and get the treatment you need. When you talk about mental health challenges in the same way as physical conditions like cancer or diabetes, it helps the topic seem mo...
The teen years can be tough. If your child is in middle school or high school, you might notice they feel pressure to look a certain way. They might even start to skip meals or try to lose too much weight, too quickly. For some teens, these behaviors out of control until they develop a dangerous eating disorder. The good news is you can help your teen avoid—or recover from—eating disorders. Learn more. Read this helpful Q&A with Dr. Mary Strength, a pediatrician in north Texas. What is the typical a...
Taking Care of Your Mental Health If you have mental health needs, it’s important to deal with them, especially before they get worse and become a crisis. No mental health journey is the same – but the information below can help you lead a peaceful life. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are some of the most common mental health conditions. These conditions can be managed with counseling and/or medication. Most people who have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can successfull...
Are you afraid of the dentist? It’s a common fear . For many people, dental anxiety starts in childhood. Adults or children who are afraid of the dentist might be tempted to skip cleanings and other routine care. When cavities and other problems are caught early, they are much easier to treat. Best of all, regular visits to the dentist can prevent cavities, infections, and other problems from starting in the first place. Does your child have anxiety at the dentist? Here are a few ways to help them feel ...
Growing up can be tough. The challenges of school, friends, and family can set the stage for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. When mental health struggles are extreme, they can lead to thoughts of suicide. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, teens, and young adults ages 15 to 24. The good news is depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts can be treated. Your child, teen, or young adult can feel hopeful and happy again. How can you help? The first step...