TALKING TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
If your foster teen or someone else is worried about his/her mental health, it is important to encourage him/her to speak up and ask for help. Unexplained changes in behavior and/or mood may be the early warning signs of a mental health condition and should never be ignored. The onset of psychotic illnesses is not common overall but the teen and young adult years are periods of higher relative risk.
Common mental health symptoms
A sudden or persistent drop in school performance.
Persistently aggressive behavior.
Threats to self or others.
Substantial mood swings.
Hallucinations, paranoia or delusions
Acting very withdrawn, sad or overly anxious.
Extreme difficulty interacting with friends and/or siblings.
Extreme changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Increased or persistent use of alcohol or drugs.
What should you do if you suspect your child has a mental health condition?
Talk with your child’s doctor.
Early identification and intervention are important. If you are concerned about your child's mental health, start by talking with their primary healthcare provider. If the PCP suspects that your child is experiencing early signs of a mental health condition, the PCP may either talk with you about treatment options or may recommend a referral to a mental health professional.
Work with their school.
Meet with teachers or other school officials to request an evaluation for special education services. Work with the school to identify effective interventions that promote positive behaviors, social skill development, academic achievement, and prevent challenging behaviors in school.
Get a referral to a mental health specialist.
If your child is referred to a mental health professional, ask your PCP to help by calling the office with you to help schedule an appointment.