Mental health early intervention

Mental health issues in the U.S. are getting much needed attention for many reasons — an increase in violence is one. The following statistics indicate the urgency for addressing mental health in this country.According to National Institute of Mental Health:

• Serious mental illness costs America $193.2 billion†in lost earnings per year.
• Mood disorders, including major depression, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder, are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. for both youth and adults age 18 to 44.
• Individuals living with serious mental illness face an increased risk of having chronic medical conditions. Adults in the U.S. with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.; suicide is the third leading cause of death for people age 10 to 24 and the second leading cause for people age 15 to 24.
• Each day an estimated 18 to 22 veterans die by suicide.

NIMH research has indicated that all lifetime cases of mental illness begin at age 14.The need to recognize and treat mental health issues in children is absolutely vital to individuals, families and the overall health of communities nationwide.Last May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report on federal activities that tracked mental health disorders in children living in the U.S.Some of the reportís findings among children age 3 to 17:

• Millions of American children live with depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome or a host of other mental health issues.
• ADHD was the most prevalent current diagnosis among children age 3 to17 years.
• The number of children with a mental disorder increased with age, with the exception of autism spectrum disorders, which was highest among children age 6 to 11.
• Boys were more likely than girls to have ADHD, behavioral or conduct problems, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, Tourette syndrome, and cigarette dependence.
• Adolescent boys age 12 to 17 years were more likely than girls to die by suicide.
• Adolescent girls were more likely than boys to have depression or an alcohol use disorder.

Intercepting these disorders as early as possible is a major step in thwarting violent episodes and self-destructive behaviors down the road.Parents can help by observing unusual behaviors in their children and acting on their concerns. However, there are many events in a childís life that can change their behavior (usually short term), and knowing the difference between a childís reaction to a divorce, for example, and mental illness is critical.The NIMH states that parents should pay attention to the following types of behaviors in their children.

• Problems across a variety of settings, such as at school, at home or with peers
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Social withdrawal, or fearful behavior toward things that normally donít scare their children
• Returning to behaviors more common in younger children, such as bed-wetting, for long periods of time
• Signs of being upset, such as sadness or tearfulness
• Signs of self-destructive behavior, such as head-banging, or a tendency to get hurt often
• Repeated thoughts of death

Access to mental health professionals can be a challenge but there are national organizations that have Colorado chapters as well.Visit the NIMH website at http://nimh.nih.org for more information.State and county:Mental Health America of Colorado1385 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 610 | Denver, CO 80222720-208-2220Mental Health Association in Colorado Springs2377 Academy Blvd North 80909719-633-4601AspenPointe525 North Cascade Avenue, Suite 100, Colorado Springs 80903719-572-6100Editorís note: It took 90 minutes of Internet research and a myriad of search phrases to find out the above information on mental health services in the area. We have a ways to go to provide immediate access to those seeking help.