As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, mental health experts and advocates are still hoping to sound the alarm when it comes to the crisis in youth mental health. According to a recent report from the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation, more than one in five young people have reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. As we continue our coverage of mental health issues this Mental Health Awareness Month, we speak with psychologist Dr. Charmain Jackman about those numbers and what parents should be on the lookout for.
“We always say lookout for changes in behavior,” According to Jackman. Those signs include a variety of behaviors.
“Withdrawing from friends or activities they used to be involved with, changes in eating habits, sleeping habits. Sometimes we thin about depression and anxiety, we only think about sadness but sometimes more irritability, more anger, or even apathy, they don’t care anymore. Maybe you’re seeing they’re slipping in grades. They might have changed friends.”
Jackman says if parents are noticing changes, they should reach out for help as soon as they suspect something could be wrong.
“Talk to somebody,” Jackman said. “A lot of times parents are like it will pass, they’re just moody, it’s just their hormones. But if you are noticing behavior that you’re concerned about, definitely take some action because it’s much easier to intervene early on than to wait until things have gone a little too far.”
Anyone experiencing a crisis can call or text 988 for help.
