Group encourages parents to learn early warning signs of mental illness in children after shooting

CLEVELAND - The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, has issued a new fact sheet in response to requests following the shooting in Newtown, Conn.

NAMI is urging parents and caregivers to pay attention to the early warning signs of mental illness in children so that appropriate treatment may be sought.

“Mental illness exists in every state, city and neighborhood in the United States and, if fact, the world,” said NAMI Ohio Executive Director Terry Russell in a news release. “One in four adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year. That’s nearly 60 million Americans.”

According to NAMI one in 10 children lives with a serious mental or emotional disorder. However, less than one-third of adults and one-half of children with a diagnosed disorder receive mental health care.

“What Families Can Do” provides a list of warning signs for parents. NAMI recommends parents to familiarize themselves with these warning signs and to consult with the child's pediatrician if any of these symptoms are present over a period of time (as opposed to a one time situation).

Possible warning signs can include:

-Acting withdrawn, sad or overly anxious
-Extreme difficulty interacting with friends and/or sibling
- Substantial mood swings
- Persistent drop in school performance
- Change in sleeping and/or eating patterns
- Increased or persistent use of alcohol or drugs
- Persistent aggressive behavior
- Threats to self or others
- Hallucinations, paranoia or delusion
- Other sudden or extreme change

If a mental health problem is suspected, NAMI recommends the following actions:

- Talk with a pediatrician
- Get a referral to a mental health specialist
- Work with the school
- Connect with other families who have or are experiencing similar challenges

“Mental illness can be treated successfully,” said Russell. “The first step is to get a professional evaluation and, if appropriate, a diagnosis. Parents can then work to get the most effective treatment, supports and services available.”

The full fact sheet with links to additional information can be found here: http://5.wews.com/gibYY