tumblr_nnt850yPgi1u9yt0oo1_500Good parenting is more than providing for your child’s physical needs like food, water and shelter. Your involvement in your child’s mental health will help him or her live a healthier, more productive life. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness and most people develop a mental health problem before they reach the age of 14. Out of all high-school drop outs, 52.3% of students with disabilities tend to have emotional/behavioral disabilities.

How does substance abuse affect your child’s mental health?

Substance abuse can increase the chances of your child developing a mental illness and vice versa. People with mental illnesses are 2.3 times more likely to develop nicotine dependence, 3 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence and 30 times more likely to develop drug dependence.

What are the consequences of untreated mental illnesses in children?

Consequences of a mental illness going untreated include, but are not limited to, suicide, school failure, involvement in criminal activity, higher healthcare costs due to the development of co-occurring mental illnesses and many more.

How can you get help for your child?

Early detection is crucial in successfully treating a mental illness. Follow this link for treatment resources in the Knoxville community.