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Mental Health Matters, Too One in 10 kids has an emotional or mental problem, but treatment helps Like adults, kids can have emotional and behavioral problems that affect the way they think, feel and act. While some behaviors are just part of growing up, others need expert help. “Children’s mental health is as important as their physical health,” says Bart Pillen, Ph.D., Kapi‘olani clinical psychologist. Help is available if problems are severe, are persistent and affect daily activities. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. Seek help if your child: Often seems sad, worried or fearful Has dramatic shifts in appetite or sleep needs Isolates from friends and family or develops troubled friendships Has falling grades, poor interest or behavioral problems in school Is hyperactive, is impulsive or can’t concentrate Becomes destructive with possessions or aggressive toward pets or people Begins to abuse substances, becomes self-destructive or states that he would like to die Start by calling your child’s doctor. Describe the behaviors that worry you, and ask if your child needs to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or behavioral therapist. In 2004, 5.7 million youths ages 12 to 17 got treatment or counseling for emotional or behavioral problems, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). That’s two out of every nine youths that age. But problems can start even younger. The top mental problems that affect children and teens include: Anxiety. One large study of 9- to 17-year-olds found up to 13 percent have significant anxiety problems, HHS says. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Up to 5 percent of school-age children have ADHD, says HHS, with which poor concentration, distractibility or hyperactivity significantly undermine their personal and academic success. Depression. Up to 2 percent of children and up to 8 percent of teens suffer from depression, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Mood, energy, interests, sleep, appetite and even their physical welfare can suffer. Bipolar disorder. This illness affects about 1 percent of teens, NIH says. It causes extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning. Bart Pillen, Ph.D. In some cases, talk therapy and family support may be all a child needs. In other cases, a child needs medication. “Most children who receive the right kind of help improve and go on to live full and healthy lives as adults,” says Pillen. “Seeking help early is key to a positive outcome.” For assistance finding a mental health provider, please call us at 808-535-7000. To Learn More National Mental Health Association — www.nmha.org/children