Our children are significantly impacted by mental health concerns and deserve a chance to be successful in life. Research has found that untreated mental illness during childhood may be a risk factor for suicide, substance abuse, involvement with the correctional system, failure to complete high school, and adult psychopathology. According to the statistics, 1 in 5 children suffer from problems severe enough to cause some level of impairment. However, only about half of those children get the needed help. Among ethnic minority families, lack of mental health treatment is reportedly much higher (e.g., Kataoka, Zhang, & Wells, 2002). What are the reasons for mental health disparities? One of the major reasons is stigma. As a society, we often use the terms “mental illness” and “mental health” interchangeably. This may be one reason why their remains to be a huge stigma towards using mental health services. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a difference between mental illness and mental health. Mental illness is described as a condition or disorder that is characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior associated with distress and impairment in functioning. On the other hand, mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities and can cope with the daily stresses of life. Given societies ‘view towards seeking treatment it is important that we begin to distinguish between mental health and mental illness more often to decease negative views towards individuals who suffer in an effort to make people feel more open about getting help. In my own research on mental health disparities, I have found that fears about psychotherapy also prevent people from seeking help due to concerns about therapist responsiveness and negative judgments (Turner & Mills, 2013). To address these issues, it is importance for use to continue providing education to both the public and professionals to decrease barriers. When should you get help? Recently, the American Psychological Association developed a digital campaign to discuss that psychotherapy works. The website offers facts and information to better understand therapy and how it can be helpful. Below are more things to consider when deciding if you should seek professional help:
If your answer is “yes” to any of those question. Psychotherapy may be helpful. Remember “your health begins with mental health!” Copyright Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D. 2014 Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter!
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), suicide remains the third leading cause of deaths among adolescents. I have previously blogged for Psychology Today on adolescent suicide related behavior and high risk associated with LGBT youth. While depressive symptoms are a risk factor, even among those who exhibit depression or depressive symptoms, clinician face difficulties predicting self-harm or suicide attempt (Hetrick, et al., 2011). Therefore, it is important for parents to pay attention if they notice differences in their child’s behavior. Risk Factors of Suicide Related Behavior Risk factors for suicide are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take her or his life. Suicide risk tends to be highest when someone has several risk factors at the same time. The most frequently cited risk factors for suicide are:
It is important to bear in mind that the large majority of people with mental disorders or other suicide risk factors do not engage in suicidal behavior. Protective Factors for Suicide Protective factors for suicide are characteristics or conditions that may help to decrease a person’s suicide risk. While these factors do not eliminate the possibility of suicide, especially in someone with risk factors, they may help to reduce that risk. Protective factors for suicide have not been studied as thoroughly as risk factors, so less is known about them. Protective factors for suicide include:
How You Can Help Take it Seriously
Ask Questions
Encourage Professional Help
Take Action
Follow-Up on Treatment
References American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://www.afsp.org/ National Suicide Prevention http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention-studies/warning-signs-of-suicide.shtml Copyright 2014 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook! |
AuthorDr. Turner is a licensed psychologist with expertise in behavioral pediatrics, child mental health, disruptive behavior disorders, and minority mental health. He is also certified as a National Register Health Service Psychologist. Archives
May 2017
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