 |
| "Stop, Drop and Listen" By Heather Davis, Anna Dominik, Anthony Hall, Freda Hendricks, Shinnetta Jones, Cherish McMillan, Jason Moss, Jeffery Young |
Juvenile mental illness is a serious problem in America. Educating the public as to the imperative need to be aware of this problem, how to recognize it and what to do when they do recognize it is vital. Mental illness is a potential cause of crimes committed by juveniles, such as: theft, destruction of property, under aged drinking, drug abuse, domestic violence, suicide, and homicide.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Schizophrenia
Signs and Symptoms
ADHD
· Trouble paying attention
· Easily distracted
· Trouble listening
· Impatience
· Figets
Bipolar Disorder-Manic
· Severe mood changes
· Increased energy
· Rapid Speech
· Highly distracted
Bipolar Disorder-Depressive
· Highly irritable, emotional
· Thinks of death often
· Little to no energy
· Oversleeps or Overeats
Depression
· Persistent sadness
· Isolates themselves
· Low self-esteem
· Poor concentration
· Expressed thoughts of suicide
Schizophrenia
· Hallucinations
· Unusual speech or behavior
· Extreme moodiness
· Severe anxiety
· Decline in personal hygiene
Many of these signs and symptoms will often go unnoticed or are brushed off by parents and teachers as a phase. Our message is to not ignore these signs and symptoms, watch these children and help them if you see a problem because if a licensed psychiatrist does not treat these conditions, they can worsen and lethal problems could potentially result.
 |
Monday, Aug. 10, 2009  Jails and juvenile-justice facilities are the new asylums. JOSEPH PENN, child psychologist at the Texas Youth Commission, on America's increasing reliance on the juvenile-corrections system to handle offenders with psychiatric disorders as states slash funding for mental-health programs Read more: http://www.time.com/time/quotes/0,26174,1915507,00.html%20#ixzz1iuvzIHfg |
Children with mental health disorders are overrepresented in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Some of the factors that put youth at risk for abuse:
- Neglect and delinquency include poverty
- Poor housing and neighborhood conditions
- Parental substance abuse and domestic violence.
These same conditions increase risk of mental health disorders. As a result, the proportion of children with mental health disorders in these systems is high. Some 50 to 75 percent of children and adolescents placed in foster care have mental health disorders.15 Rates of emotional disturbance among youth served by the juvenile justice system are between 60 and 75 percent.16
If your child is currenty experiencing some of these signs and symptoms you are not alone, there are a number of organizations available to assist you in services and or referrals.
Boys and Girls Club
Big brother Big sister
Boys Town
Narcotics anonymous
Alcoholics anonymous
National Alliance on Mental Illness
