I’ll start by telling you that this is in no way meant to be anything other than commentary fueled by observation and a lot of research. While it’s true that much of the research I’ve done is evidence based, some is reading about trials and tribulations of parents of children who struggle with some type of mental disorder.
When it comes to physical illness, we parents seem to have an uncanny ability to sense that something is wrong with our child. When our child appears ill we make a quick assessment, and if we deem it necessary we make a call to the family physician. Little John (or Jane) has the flu, mystery solved! Your child is likely to make a full recovery in three to five days. In the mean time all of the well-wishers and offers of help from family and friends flood your house. We breathe a sigh of relief knowing that our child will be just fine and relish in knowing that so many care.
Parents also know when something is not “quite right” with our children. We can’t put our finger on it but we know that all is not well. Perhaps we notice John (or Jane) can’t seem to sit still for two seconds or that the tantrums are severe and come with no warning or trigger.
Childhood mental disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to make lite of this subject. Take a minute or two and research it for yourself, do a web search and you will see what I’m talking about. The disorders run the gamut, from ADAD to schizophrenia and beyond.
What is it that is not”quite right” with our child? Unlike a case of the flu, mental illness is not as easily diagnosed nor treated. A quick check for fever and a round of antibiotics will not do the trick. You (probably) will not broadcast over social media that your child has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and even if you do, don’t expect the well-wishers to bring over a casserole. For some reason folks seem to think that mental illness is contagious. Go figure?
In next week’s post I’ll be talking about “what to expect” when you take your child to the physician. Until then remember that pizza delivery is just a phone call away, things will work out, and love your child for who they are.
