At support group, the older members tell me how lucky I am to have this information at such a young age. I did not receive a diagnosis until age 19. Although, my symptoms began presenting in childhood.
If my diagnosis came earlier, could I have prevented some of the toughest times in my life? Maybe my parents would have benefitted from knowing about my mental illness before I was an adult. I remember being very anxious and depressed around 12. I would consider myself experienced in mood episodes as early as elementary school.
Knowing how to spot the signs of mental illness in a young person is difficult. Many parents assume that their child is “going through a stage”. They hope that the issues will go away on their own. However, there is a body of reliable information that suggests that we should first address and examine mental health in childhood. Especially if there are signs of an issue.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders start by age 14. Three-fourths by 24 years of age. Because of the early onset of mental disorders, it’s imperative that treatment and other resources are available early.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, disruptive behavioral disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders were among the most prevalent in the above age group.
Gleaning from information from several sources including Lizette Borreli’s article on common mental health disorders in kids, I give you the three biggest warning signs. These are signs in myself as well as some of the most prevalent warning signs in kids of a possible mental disorder: READ MORE