As your child’s medical provider, we want to make sure your children are reaching their developmental and emotional milestones. 2020 has been a year unlike any other for us and our children alike. Navigating a new normal can take its toll on a child’s social skills, their ability to cope with challenges, and even their quality of life.
Saturday, October 10th was World Mental Health Day. This day is meant to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health conditions, something that we treat commonly at our practice. Did you know…
- 17% of children (ages 6-17) experience a mental health disorder each year
- Over 9% of children between the ages of 2-17 are diagnosed with ADHD
- More than 7% of children between the ages of3-17 have been diagnosed with a behavioral disorder
- Over 7% of children between the ages of 3-17 have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder
- More than 3% of children between the ages of 3-17 have been diagnosed with depression
Many of these disorders are noticed by significant and serious changes in the way children behave, learn, manage emotions, etc. In cases where the symptoms are persistent and severe, children have difficulties at school, home and in play. Without treatment, these children can have long-term impacts in life.
We recognized that we were seeing an increased number of children with behavioral health, anxiety, depression and more in our practice. We wanted to make sure we could provide your child the best possible care, and sometimes that requires treatment beyond what a physician provides. Due to this, we have partnered with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to bring you the best possible counseling care. Caitlin Geiser, LPCC-S started with our practice in September and has been providing counseling for patients at both of our locations as well as telemedicine.
Tips for dealing with mental health at home:
- As the parent or guardian, you know your child best. If you have a child that is dealing with any behavioral or mental health concerns or you yourself are concerned with their behaviors, give us a call! Our care team is available by phone 24 hours per day, and would be happy to help you navigate what is needed for your child’s care. You may reach us at (513) 232-8100.
- Encourage your child to discuss their emotions. It is important for children and adults to have a safe space to discuss being worried, angry or sad. Taking care of mental health is just as important as physical health.
- Model healthy coping skills for your children. Parents often do things to manage stress, worry, and anger which they find helpful, but they do them “behind closed doors” so to speak. Tell your kids what you are feeling and how you are going to handle it. For example, “I just had a really frustrating day at work and I need to calm down. I’m going to take some deep breathes and relax for a little bit.” Or ask your child to help you think of some ideas to help you calm down. Involving your kids in the process of identifying healthy coping skills is a great tool you can implement daily!
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” ― John Green
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