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We Can Help. 914-345-5900 • help@mhawestchester.org |
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Focus on Children's Emotional HealthEach season presents particular challenges to children's emotional health and equilibrium. Whether it is concern about summer safety, back-to-school issues or Internet safety, children's emotional health is a year-round issue. It is always important to stay in touch with our children's concerns and activities. Stay Attuned to Your Children's Emotional ResponsesTalking with our children helps us know what is on their minds and gives us the opportunity to share our values and expectations. Our Guidelines for Talking with Children About Difficult Issues and Guidelines for Talking with Children About School Violence and Violence against Children provide tips for keeping the communication open. Safety Routines and Internet UseInternet use is a fact of life for many of our children. They are online for information and to be in touch with others. Sometimes they reach out to others via e-mail, Instant Messages or chat rooms when they are confused, upset or unhappy. Teaching children to use the Internet safely is critical. We offer suggestions about Child Safety on the Internet and Social Networking. It is critical to discuss all aspects of safety with children. Teaching Safety Skills - Stranger Danger is Not Enough offers information to parents and children to help children stay safe. Mental Health Problems, Diagnoses and Treatment for Children and AdolescentsIt is not always easy to recognize when a child's difficulties are "a stage" or something more serious. The more adults know about children's health and age appropriate expectations, the more they can help children. For example, the following signs may indicate that a child may need professional assistance or evaluation:
One in ten children and adolescents have a mental health problem severe enough to cause impairment yet fewer than half of these children receive appropriate treatment. Left untreated, children’s mental health problems can lead to social isolation, academic failure, substance abuse, juvenile justice involvement and even suicide. (Read our page on Suicide in Children/Adolescents to learn the warning signs, who is at risk, how you can help and for other information.) However, effective treatments are available for mental health problems. Learn more about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems/Diagnoses, Our Treatment Services and How to Find a Therapist. Helpful Reports from the Surgeon GeneralLearn more from the Surgeon General's reports on Children’s Mental Health. The Report of the Surgeon General's Conference on Children's Mental Health: A National Action Agenda Looking at the Whole ChildAs our children progress, let us maintain our focus on their social and emotional development as well as on their academic progress. Return to the top of the page.
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