Anoka County Press Release

 
BACK TO SCHOOL: YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH

Good mental health allows children to develop socially, and intellectually, build self-esteem, learn new skills, and develop a positive mental outlook. These tips, offered by the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County and Mental Health America, can help families support children’s mental health during the back-to-school season.

•  Communicate. Spend time every day listening and talking to your child. Share emotions and feelings with your children.
•  Give children unconditional love. Children need to know that your love does not depend on their accomplishments.
•  Nurture children’s confidence and self-esteem. Praise and encourage your children. Set realistic goals that test their abilities. Accept mistakes and failures as part of life.
•  Encourage children to play. Playtime is important to children’s emotional development. It helps children be creative, develop problem-solving skills and self-control, and learn how to get along with others.
•  Give appropriate guidance and discipline when necessary. Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations. The goal is not to control the child, but to help him or her learn self-control.
•  Provide a safe and secure environment. Fear can be very real for a child. When they are frightened, try to find out why. Respond by being loving, patient and reassuring, not critical.

Anxiety and stress about starting school is normal for a child and usually passes within the first few days or weeks. If your child continues to seem anxious or stressed, it may be time to seek help. Talk to your child’s teacher and/or family physician about what you can do as a parent. If problems persist, consider a referral to a trained and qualified mental health professional.

Warning Signs

The following signs may indicate the need for professional assistance or evaluation:

•  Decline in school performance
•  Poor grades despite strong efforts
•  Regular worry or anxiety
•  Repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal children’s activities
•  Hyperactivity or fidgeting
•  Persistent nightmares
•  Persistent disobedience or aggression
•  Frequent temper tantrums
•  Depression, sadness or irritability

“Nearly one in five children has a diagnosable mental health problem,” said D.J. Moser, chair of the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County, a volunteer group of consumers, family members, mental health services providers, educators, and community leaders. “We encourage parents to make their child’s mental health as important as their physical health.”

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in children, affecting as many as ten percent of young people, according to Bill Pinsonnault, director, Anoka County Community Social Services and Mental Health Department 

“All children experience some anxiety, but it becomes a problem when it interrupts a child’s normal activities, like attending school and making friends or sleeping,” Pinsonnault said. “Persistent and intense anxiety that disrupts daily routine is a mental health problem that requires intervention.”

There are several types of anxiety disorders. The most common in children include generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Descriptions of these can be located at www.mentalhealthamerica.net, or by talking with your doctor.

What Can Parents Do?

Anxiety disorders are treatable. Identify, diagnose and treat anxiety disorders as early as possible, with assistance from a health professional, to help children reach their full potential. Effective treatment may include some form of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or mediations.

“Anoka County has resources to offer families,” said Moser. One is a mobile children’s crisis service, offered by People Incorporated’s Riverwind Crisis Services. By calling 763-755-3801, help with a crisis can be received any time, 24 hours, seven days a week.

For additional information on children’s mental health services in Anoka County, call 763-712-2703. For information on adult mental health services, call 763-422-7070.

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page last updated - 09/13/2007

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