In the U.S. mental health disorders among children ages 3-17 are on the rise. According to a CDC report, millions of American children live with depression, anxiety. Approximately 3% live with anxiety, 2% with depression, 3.5% with behavioral or conduct problems. This leads to bigger problems when they reach their teenage years, causing them to pick up bad habits like drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoking.
What Can You Do?
The best thing you can do is simply talk to your child and seek help, talk to a child healthcare professional about the concerns you might have. Early diagnosis and treatment could help prevent future problems.
Princess Kate will invite leading figures in the mental health field to contribute to the issue. Next month we will see her on Huffington Post UK’s website talking about how this affects young children. We’re sure she will get the conversation started on this very important and critical issue that is affecting many.
Demi Lovato Speaks Up for Mental Health