Emotional Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments
Emotional disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause serious changes in mood, thought, and behavior. They can be characterized by problems with regulating emotions, impulse control, and social interactions.
According to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, emotional problems are relatively common in young people. In United States, 20% of all children have at least one emotional disorder. However, it is important to note that these disorders are often under-diagnosed and under-treated in this population.
Types of Emotional Disorders in NJ Youth
The most common types of emotional disorders among New Jersey youth include anxiety disorders and depression. While the exact causes of emotional disorders are not fully understood, they are thought to be the result of a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Factors such as family history, stressful life events, or exposure to trauma can all contribute to the development of emotional disorders. Additionally, many young people experience hormonal changes during puberty which can trigger or worsen existing emotional problems.
Symptoms / Warning Signs
The symptoms of emotional disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder. However, there are some general warning signs that may indicate a problem. These include:
– drastic changes in mood or behavior
– difficulties at school or work
– withdrawing from friends and activities
– problems with sleeping or eating
– engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
– persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to seek professional help and contact your local care management organization (CMO). Early intervention is key to effectively treating emotional disorders.
Treatment Options
Treatment for emotional disorders typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. With proper treatment, most people with an emotional disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and live healthy lives. Early diagnosis and treatment for children can make a big difference in the long-term outlook for someone with an emotional disorder.
If you suspect that your child is experiencing mental health challenges or emotional problems, it’s important to seek help right away. There are many resources available for parents and children alike, and early intervention is often the best way to ensure a successful outcome. Once you begin working with a Care Management Organization (CMO), they can help you navigate care options for your child and seek adequate care for their children.
Ways You Can Support Your Child
If your child is struggling with an emotional disorder, there are a few things you can do to help.
- Educate yourself about the disorder(s)
- Create a safe and supportive environment at home
- Encourage them to express their feelings in a healthy way through outlets such as art, music, or writing.
- Teach them healthy coping mechanisms such as deep breathing or relaxation techniques.
- Help them to develop a support system of friends and family members who can offer emotional support.
- Make sure they are getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet.
- Encourage them to attend therapy sessions and take any prescribed medication as directed.
- Most importantly, be there for them as a source of love and support.
How NJCMO Can Help You and Your Child
If you are a parent or guardian of a child struggling with an emotional disorder, behavioral issues, or mental health challenges, your local CMO can help. The goal of a CMO is to enhance children’s health, well-being, and safety while also keeping families together.
CMOs use a Wraparound model of care which is a strengths-based, family-centered approach that involves the entire community in supporting families. Using this approach, Care Managers provide individualized services for children with complex healthcare needs. A CMO can, at no cost to you, connect you with the resources and services your family needs to thrive, such as mental health professionals, therapists, educational advocates, and more. They can also help you navigate the often complex world of insurance and mental health services.
For youth already involved with a care management organization, the CMO can assist you with accessing the resources you need and is here to help you every step of the way. Contact your local CMO today to learn more about how you can get support for you and your family.
FAQs
Emotional disorders are relatively common in youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately one out of every five youths ages 13 to 18 experiences a severe emotional disturbance, such as depression or anxiety, in any given year. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also reports that around 7.7 million American children and adolescents, or about 1 in 6, experience mental health disorders each year. These statistics highlight the importance of early intervention and access to mental health services for young people in need.
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) indicates that emotional or behavioral disorders can manifest in a variety of forms and vary from child to child. They can include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, panic disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is essential to seek professional help if a child or adolescent is showing signs of emotional or behavioral issues. Parents or guardians can contact their local CMO for assistance on how to acquire services for their child, should they need it.
There is no one answer to this question, as emotional disorders can affect youth and their families in a variety of ways. Some common effects include social withdrawal, problems at school or work, and difficulty forming or maintaining relationships.
If you think your child is suffering from an emotional disorder, the best thing to do is to take them to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Many emotional disorders can be treated with therapy or medication if they are caught early. It’s important not to wait too long to seek help, as some disorders can get worse if left untreated.
There are also many support groups and online resources available for families dealing with mental health issues. It can be helpful to connect with other families who are going through the same thing. You can find these resources through your local CMO.
There are a number of resources available for parents of children with emotional disorders. These include support groups, online resources, and counseling services. You can find these resources through your local CMO. Some of the services offered by a CMO can include:
– Home visits
– Development of a team that assists your family
– Care management
– Crisis intervention
– Linkages to community resources
– Mental health and psychosocial assessments
– Development of individualized service plans
If you are already working with a CMO, they can help you if you think your child may be struggling with an emotional disorder. The sooner you get help, the better the outcome will be for your child.