Children are wondrous creatures, learning, growing, and changing right before our eyes. As parents, we experience a lot of ups and downs. We question each decision we make because we want what is best for our babies, even though some of our babies are now adolescents. I have been asked many behavioral health questions throughout my career, but the one question that always comes up is, “When do I need to get help for my kid?”
Here are some warning signs that indicate your child may need professional assistance:
- No longer interested in participating in activities they once enjoyed
- Sadness or hopelessness that lasts two weeks or longer
- Persistent anxiety or fear
- Body image issues and/or bingeing and purging
- Fire setting behavior
- Cutting behavior
- Talks of harming self or others
- Suicidal thoughts
- Inability to sit still
- Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
- Poor school performance
- Alcohol or drug use
- Poor concentration
- A change in sleeping and eating patterns
Most of these issues can be addressed in an outpatient mental health setting. If the issue persists and your child is in crisis, please reach out to UofL Health – Peace Hospital at 502-451-3333. We are located at 2020 Newburg Road, Louisville, Ky. 40205. We offer no-charge level-of-care assessments. Walk-ins are welcome 24/7.
