The
month of May is recognized as Mental Health Month to help raise awareness of
mental health issues and continue to help individuals live healthy lifestyles.
Although it can be more difficult to recognize signs of poor mental health, it
is just as significant and important as physical health.
According
to the American Psychological Association, biology, genetics, and other factors
can lead to different levels of risk for developing a
mental health disorder. Poor mental health can often times become a hindrance
in a child’s development. For example, anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and
stress can become roadblocks in daily activities and make it very difficult to
learn new skills and participate in age appropriate activities.
Signs
of poor mental health can include behavior issues at school or home; change in
appetite; difference in sleep pattern; withdrawal; signs of sadness or
self-destructive behavior. If your child
is showing any of these signs, there are options that you can take including
talking about it with health care professionals.
At
Pediatric Therapy Partners, we have a team of Occupational Therapists that can
help treat such concerns. In addition to
the typical mental health training that Occupational Therapists receive, our
staff has additional training and certifications that help us better serve
children with mental health concerns.
If
you have any concerns regarding the mental health of your child please call or
visit our website to schedule a free screening.
Don’t wait and see. Find out and
know.
RESOURCES:
http://www.kidsmentalhealth.org/behavioral-therapy-for-children-with-emotional-disorders/
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml
