Matters Of The Mind: Identifying Kids’ Mental Health Issues

http://media.boston.cbslocal.com/CBSBOS_20150609061352210AA.mp4 BOSTON (CBS) – Arielle Sager, 17, of Westborough, is worried about finding a job this summer and hopefully earning enough to buy a car. She’s looking forward to gaining some independence as she grows up, after years of living in a group home for teens with mental health issues. “It was hard to leave my home but at the same time, I knew I was getting the help I needed,” Ari bravely told WBZ-TV. Ari’s mother, Pam, says watching her daughter melt down at home was isolating and scary. Read: More Matters Of The Mind “She said I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just need help,” said Sager. “Coming out of a 5 or 6-year-old is just heart-wrenching. And you’re the mom who is supposed to have the answers.” It took years to find the right answers. Ari was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age but by third grade, it was clear there was more to her challenges than impulsivity and a lack of attention. Pam says Ari’s lack of emotional regulation prompted the family to look for more resources. She was eventually diagnosed with anxiety, depression and a mood disorder. “I felt like I wanted to go to sleep and never wake up,” Ari said. Ari’s story is not uncommon. The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health reports 50-percent of mental illness can be diagnosed by the age of 14 and 75-percent is identified by the age of 25. Intervention early is critical according to WBZ-TV&...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Seen On WBZ-TV Syndicated Local Watch Listen ADHD Arielle Sager Bree Sison Matters Of The Mind Mental Health On Site Academy PTSD Source Type: news