Mental Health Disorders

Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families.

Families, spouses, teachers, or friends are often the first to suspect that their loved one or their student is challenged by feelings, behaviors, or other conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad.

This may include:

• Problems with relationships with friends or family members
• Problems with work or school
• Sleep problems
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble expressing emotion
• Substance abuse
• Delays in development
• Trouble coping
• Inattentive

It’s also important to know that people of different ages will show different symptoms and behaviors. Getting familiar 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. Support and treatment for mental health disorders is available.

Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and Depression

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – Online Resources (https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/ask-and-learn/resources); The ADAA raises public and professional awareness, promotes research advancement, and provides referrals for children and adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and related disorders.  The website provides information about these conditions, treatment, and resources for professionals.

• Freedom From Fear (FFF) (http://www.freedomfromfear.org/); Nonprofit advocacy organization that houses a wealth of research-based information and treatment referrals for anxiety and depression.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Autism Speaks (https://www.autismspeaks.org/); Prominent Autism research and advocacy organization providing links to apps, tool kits, and resource guides for parents, educators, and persons with  Autism.

• The Arc – Autism Now (https://autismnow.org/); Fact sheets, webinars, newsletter, and call center that focuses on topics of early detection, intervention, education, transition, aging, community inclusion, long-term care, and health care reform.

Bipolar Disorder

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (https://www.dbsalliance.org/); National peer led organization run by individuals with Depression and Bipolar Disorder offering support groups, peer specialist training, wellness tools, research, podcasts, brochures, publications, and information for clinicians.

Schizophrenia

• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (https://www.bbrfoundation.org/); Latest research discoveries and statistics.

Eating Disorders

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/); Referral helpline, prevention, treatment and recovery, handouts, toolkits, discussion forums, blogs, and recovery stories.

• Proud2BMe (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/proud2bme-youth-youth); Online community for and by young people who want to change the way we talk about food, weight, and body image.

Substance Abuse

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (https://www.samhsa.gov/); Information on mental health campaigns and health reform for providers, families, and individuals.  Helpful online behavioral health and substance abuse treatment services locator.