Mental Health
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Information on this site is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice.
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Many children and teens are dealing with mental illness. Across the nation one in five teens between the ages of 13-18 have or will have a mental illness and 50% of all lifetime mental health illness begin by age 14. There are early warning signs to help provide early treatment.
Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks (e.g., crying regularly, feeling fatigued, feeling unmotivated).
Trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so.
Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors that can cause harm to self or others.
Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or fast breathing.
Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or gain.
Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
Repeated use of drugs or alcohol.
Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits (e.g., waking up early and acting agitated). Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still that can lead to failure in school. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes.
One or two of these signs alone can’t predict a mental illness but may indicate a need for further evaluation. If you or your child is experiencing several signs at one time and are causing serious problems in the ability to study, work or relate to others:
Contact your child’s pediatrician. Describe the behavior, and report what you have observed and learned from talking with others.
Ask for a referral to a mental health professional who has experience and expertise dealing with children.
You can also reach out to your child’s school. Contact the principal, vice principal, your child’s teacher or school counselor to assist you in getting support for your child.
You can contact County Mental Health Monday –Friday, 8 am -5pm at 916-875-1055.
If a child’s behavior is unsafe, or if a child talks about wanting to hurt him or herself or someone else, then seek help immediately.
What You and Your Child Need to Know About Anxiety
Anxiety is normal. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It alerts us to threats, protects us from danger and helps us reach important goals. For example, it is normal to feel anxious when encountering a bear on a hike, or before taking an important exam.
Anxiety is not dangerous. Although anxiety feels uncomfortable, it is temporary and will eventually decrease. The sensations we experience in an anxious situation are designed to alert and activate us. They are normal and part of our body’s natural response mechanism. Our body is smart enough to know when to “amp up” and when to “calm down.”
Anxiety is adaptive. Anxiety helps us prepare for real danger, such as crossing a busy street. It can also help us perform at our best, and motivate us to study for an exam or practice for a big game. When we experience anxiety, it triggers our "fight-flight-freeze" response, and prepares our body to react. For instance, our heart beats faster to pump blood to our muscles, so we have the energy to run away or fight off danger. Without it, we would not survive. We need some anxiety.
Anxiety is part of life. Trying to eliminate anxiety from your child's life is almost impossible, and even if it were possible, we are not sure you will have created a life worth living for your child. As a result, this website has been designed to provide you and your child with information, tools, resources, and more, to help your child become an expert on coping with anxiety. Since anxiety is everywhere, one of the greatest gifts you can give your anxious child or teen is the confidence and skill to tolerate anxiety whenever it occurs, and to continue living his/her life anyway!
Anxiety can become a problem. Small doses of anxiety in certain situations are useful. However, when your child is worrying much of the time, avoiding fun activities, or refusing to go to school because s/he is scared or worried, anxiety has become a problem. Think of anxiety like fog: if it covers everything, makes it hard to see, stops you from doing what you usually do, and generally gets in the way, then it has likely become a problem.
Source: www.anxietycanada.com/parenting/anxiety-101
What Does Anxiety Look Like?
Physical Signs of Anxiety
Frequently complains of headaches or stomachaches, with no medical reason.
Refuses to eat in the school cafeteria or other public places.
Changes eating habits suddenly.
Won’t use restrooms away from home.
Gets restless, fidgety, hyperactive or distracted (but doesn’t necessarily have ADHD).
Starts to shake or sweat in intimidating situations.
Constantly tenses muscles.
Has trouble falling or staying asleep.
Behavioral Signs of Anxiety
Avoids participating in class activities.
Remains silent or preoccupied when expected to work with others.
Refuses to go to school.
Avoids social situations with peers after school or on weekends (extracurricular activities, dates, school dances, etc.).
Refuses to speak to peers or strangers in stores, restaurants, etc.
Becomes emotional or angry when separating from parents or loved ones.
Begins to have explosive outbursts.
Starts withdrawing from activities he or she once loved.
Constantly seeks approval from parents, teachers and friends.
Engages in excessive hand washing, arranging, tapping or other compulsive behaviors.
Emotional Signs of Anxiety
Cries often.
Becomes cranky or angry for no clear reason.
Is afraid of making even minor mistakes.
Has extreme test anxiety.
Doubts skills and abilities, even when there’s no reason to.
Can’t handle any criticism, no matter how constructive.
Has panic attacks (or is afraid of having panic attacks).
Has pressing phobias (about bees, dogs, etc.) or excessive fears about natural disasters or large-scale accidents.
Is afraid people will find out about learning and attention issues (more so than other kids with the same issues).
Worries about things way off in the future (for example, a high school freshman worries about college applications).
Often has nightmares about losing a parent or loved one.
Has obsessive thoughts or worries about things that might cause harm, or other upsetting topics.
Practical Coping Skills
Below are a few practical coping strategies.
Stay in touch with people who can provide emotional and other support. Ask for help from friends, family, and community or religious organizations to reduce stress due to work burdens or family issues, such as caring for a loved one.
Recognize signs of your body's response to stress, such as difficulty sleeping, increased alcohol and other substance use, being easily angered, feeling depressed, and having low energy.
Set priorities-decide what must get done and what can wait, and learn to say no to new tasks if they are putting you into overload.
Note what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do. ● Avoid dwelling on problems. If you can't do this on your own, seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can guide you.
Exercise regularly-just 30 minutes per day of gentle walking can help boost mood and reduce stress.
Schedule regular times for healthy and relaxing activities.
Explore stress coping programs, which may incorporate meditation, yoga, tai chi, or other gentle exercises.
Seek help from a qualified mental health care provider if you are overwhelmed, feel you cannot cope, have suicidal thoughts, or are using drugs or alcohol to cope.
Copy of NAMI on Campus Parent Letter 2019.pdf
Other available resources
National Mental Health Association: (800) 969-6642
National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736
National Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
https://interface.williamjames.edu/guide/websites-especially-teens
How crisistextline works Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor Free 24/7 support at your fingertips. https://www.crisistextline.org/
Dealing with Depression https://dwdonline.ca/