{"id":2608,"date":"2022-04-11T11:26:19","date_gmt":"2022-04-11T15:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meridianhealthcare.net\/?p=2608"},"modified":"2023-03-08T12:21:29","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T16:21:29","slug":"understanding-adolescent-and-childrens-mental-health-statistics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meridianhealthcare.net\/understanding-adolescent-and-childrens-mental-health-statistics\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Adolescent and Children\u2019s Mental Health Statistics"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a parent or guardian, it\u2019s natural to worry about your child\u2019s health, and it can be scary when you start noticing signs of a mental health struggle in your son or daughter.<\/p>\n

Current child mental health statistics show that mental health disorders are more common than you may realize. (In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that nearly half of all adolescents experience a mental health disorder<\/a> at some point in their lives.) It\u2019s important to seek help when you notice emotional distress, because in many cases, these issues can be part of a larger problem. Every single day, young children and adolescents are treated for mental illnesses \u2014 and successfully. There is help out there!<\/p>\n

*If you think your child might have a <\/i>mental health disorder<\/i>, do not self-diagnose. Instead, reach out to a <\/i>mental health care provider<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

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Mental Health Statistics: Children and Adolescents<\/h2>\n

Mental health problems, conditions, and illnesses in children don’t always look exactly like they do in adults. Sometimes, a child might be perceived as simply misbehaving or having trouble focusing at school. If those symptoms evolve into severe behaviors or last a long time, though, it could be an indication of something more.<\/p>\n

[FREE RESOURCE] Want to learn ways to handle your child\u2019s emotions? Download our guide!<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a national survey determined that one in six U.S. children<\/a> ages six to 17 currently has a treatable mental illness like depression, an anxiety disorder, or attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unfortunately, the study also discovered that only half of those children received counseling or treatment from a mental health professional following diagnosis from their primary care physician.<\/p>\n

The Importance of Children\u2019s Mental Health<\/h2>\n

Children and adolescents are certainly not immune to mental health problems. In fact, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that half of all lifetime mental illness begins by the time a person is 14 years old<\/a>. However, most do not seek mental health treatment until late adolescence or adulthood.<\/p>\n

Mental health issues impact many aspects of life \u2014 from social relationships to academic success. Untreated, they can lead to serious consequences, including drug abuse, poor academic performance, antisocial behavior, conflicts with parents and family members, alcohol abuse, dropping out of school early, and suicide attempts.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that mental health disorders should not be confused with everyday mental health issues. While everyone feels stressed or sad at times, mental health disorders require professional evaluation and treatment. As a parent or guardian, it helps to recognize the warning signs<\/a> that your child\u2019s mental health needs might require additional support.<\/p>\n

Signs of Adolescent or Child Mental Health Disorders<\/h3>\n