Something isn't quite right...

Whether you've noticed changes in your child's behavior (suddenly or over time) or someone else has brought it to your attention, you know something just isn't right.  These warning signs may provide you with some help in evaluating what is going on with your child:

• Marked personality change over time
• Confused thinking
• Prolonged severe depression, apathy, or extreme highs and lows
• Excessive anxieties, fears, or suspicious, blaming others
• Withdrawal from society, friendless, abnormally self-centered
• Denial of obvious problems; strong resistance to help
• Thinking about suicide, talking about it, acting on it
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments, marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Anger or hostility out of proportions to the situation
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Growing inability to cope with challenges and daily activities such as school, job or personal need

When you are concerned about your child’s behavior, you should find a professional to evaluate your child, like your pediatrician.  Your pediatrician can do a thorough medical examination and can talk with you about whether your child’s behavior is appropriate for the current age or if you might need a further psychological evaluation or counseling.

If you are unsure of where to go or if you have questions, contact the Mental Health Association of Rochester at 585-325-3145.