Living with a Pediatric Behavioral Health Condition

small child coloring Many factors can have an effect on your child’s mental health including chronic illness, trauma and stress at home or school. If your child has a behavioral health condition, it is important to work with medical experts who can help you learn to manage it.

Depending on your child’s needs, you may need to work with a child psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, art therapist, or a team of professionals. Medication and talk therapy are two common treatments. Medications may include antidepressants or anxiolytics and talk therapy may involve just your child or the whole family. Through therapy, you and your child will find support and learn coping strategies.

Mental health and physical health impact one another. Provide your child a healthy routine with nutritious meals, adequate sleep and plenty of activity. If your child has a chronic illness, increased physical symptoms can have a negative effect on their emotional health. Be sure to address your child’s fears that may arise as a result of their illness.

If your child has a behavioral health condition, know that you are not alone. Your child’s doctor will be instrumental in providing them the help they need. Pay close attention to any changes in their behavior and schedule regular visits with their care team.

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