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Mental Illness - Children
Research shows that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14.1 Scientists are discovering that changes in the body leading to mental illness may start much earlier, before any symptoms appear.

Through greater understanding of when and how fast specific areas of children's brains develop, we are learning more about the early stages of a wide range of mental illnesses that appear later in life. Helping young children and their parents manage difficulties early in life may prevent the development of disorders. Once mental illness develops, it becomes a regular part of your child's behavior and more difficult to treat. Even though we know how to treat (though not yet cure) many disorders, many? children with mental illnesses are not getting treatment. Source NIMH Read more here.
Much of the time we are so caught up in the middle of life that we fail to observe particular situations with clarity. It is easily done, we become side tracked or we live in oblivion because combating each day is a battle alone. Some of us are so absorbed with our day to day existence that we fail to acknowledge what is occurring even within our own household.

An outsider looking in will notice when something is not quite right, so we need to pay attention to any suggestions or mere comments from a friend or outside family member. In particular, pay attention to the voice of children. Always always listen to children. Watch closely for any change in character also. A child may be suffering on the inside and project this through body language or irrational behavior as opposed to verbal expression.

Spend time with your kids; the valuable time you give will remain with them for a lifetime. Remember, a child’s upbringing is what shapes their existence. A child raised without love or affection will truly suffer emotionally later in life.
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