Parent Magazine Volusia/Flagler June 2019 | Page 15

him or her to cause this?
» » Does he or she need to be hospitalized?
» » Will he or she need treatment?
» » Will he or she “outgrow” or stop performing these
behaviors at some point?
» » Is this just “a phase” he or she is going through?
» » How can I help him or her get better?
or developmental problem in an adult. However, each
person may have different symptoms. Symptoms may
include:
» » Significant decline in work performance, poor work
attendance, or lack of productivity
» » Social withdrawal from activities, friends, or family
» » Substance (alcohol and drugs) abuse
» » What will treatment cost? » » Sleep disturbances (persistent nightmares, insomnia,
hypersomnia, or flashbacks)
» » Where do we go for help? » » Depression (poor mood, negativity, or mood swings)
» » What does this diagnosis mean? » » Appetite changes (significant weight gain or loss)
» » How can my family become involved? » » Continuous or frequent aggression
Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active
participation in treatment are very important for any
person with a mental health disorder. » » Continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer
than 6 months)
The primary healthcare provider or mental health
practitioner will address questions and provide
reassurance by working with you to establish long-term
and short-term treatment goals for your loved one. » » Threats to self or others
KNOWING WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health
disorders is important for parents and families. Many
times, families, spouses, teachers, or friends are the
first to suspect that their loved one or their student is
challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental
conditions that cause him or her to act disruptive,
rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited
to, problems with relationships with friends or family
members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance
abuse, emotional expression, development, coping,
attentiveness, and responsiveness.
It’s also important to know that people of different
ages will show different symptoms and behaviors.
Familiarizing yourself with the common behaviors of
children, teens, and adults that make it hard for them
to adapt to situations will often help
to identify any problems early when
they can be treated. It’s important
for families who suspect a problem in
one, or more, of these areas to seek
treatment as soon as possible.
» » Excessive worry or anxiety
» » Thoughts of death
» » Thoughts or talk of suicide
» » Destructive behaviors (like criminal activity
or stealing)
» » Sexually “acting out”
» » Lying or cheating
» » Many physical complaints, including being
constantly tense or frequent aches and pains that
can’t be traced to a physical cause or injury
» » Sudden feelings of panic, dizziness, or increased
heartbeat
» » Increased feelings of guilt, helplessness, or
hopelessness
» » Decreased energy
The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or
developmental problem may look like other conditions.
Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Information for this article was provided by Halifax Health.
Treatment for mental health disorders
is available and usually effective.
What are the symptoms of a potential
problem in an adult?
These are the most common symptoms
of a potential emotional, behavioral,
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