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Mental health services address behavioral issues
Mental illnesses are health conditions marked by changes in thinking, mood or behavior that cause distress or impair a person's ability to function, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's Office. Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities.
Parents should familiarize themselves with inappropriate behavior in children and adolescents to help identify problems early on. Families who suspect a problem should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Tarrant County Mental Health Children & Adolescents Facts
- About 20 percent (74,000) of children age 17 and younger suffer from some form of mental health problem (depression, schizophrenia, anxiety or attention deficit/hyperactivity and bi-polar disorders)
- 18,500 (five percent) have a serious emotional disorder, a mental health problem that severely upsets their ability to function socially, academically and emotionally
- Almost 33 percent of all hospital days are related to mental illness for children age 6 to12
- Nearly 66 percent of children and adolescents with mental health problems never receive treatment
- Children and adolescents who go untreated for mental illness are more likely to commit suicide; end up in jail or on juvenile probation; disrupt classrooms and workplaces; be chronically unemployed and unemployable; dramatically increase the health care burden of our community
Know When to Seek Treatment for Your Child
The following are some common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral or developmental problem. These symptoms may resemble other conditions. Discuss them with your doctor.
- significant decline in school performance or poor grades; refusal to attend school; refusal to take part in school or family activities
- excessive worry and/or anxiety
- withdrawal from activities, friends or family
- alcohol or drug abuse
- appetite changes (refusal to eat, eating too much, binging, purging)
- continuous or frequent aggression or "acting out;" rebellion; anger; destructive behavior; temper tantrums
- threats to self or others; thoughts of suicide or death
Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County
Cook Children’s Medical Center is a member of the Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County. The Connection was formed in 1999 in the aftermath of a shooting at a Fort Worth church. Eight people, including the gunman, were killed. It was later determined that the shooter was suffering from untreated and undiagnosed mental illness.
The Connection is made up of a variety of people and organizations working to:
- create a network of mental health services
- increase access to those in need
- prepare and monitor a long-term plan for Tarrant County’s mental health care
The Connection’s other activities include public education, fund raising and public policy. The organization helped the City of Fort Worth receive a six-year, $9.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Funds will be used to provide services for the emotionally or mentally disturbed.
For more information: www.mhctc.org. |