What are the warning signs of mental health issues in youth?
Whitney Bavarich and Susie Clark have a combined 35 years of experience working with children and youth, and the majority of their careers have been spent in Routt County. Bavarich recently accepted the position of youth resiliency program at Northwest Colorado Health after serving for seven years as day treatment alternative program clinician at Mind Springs Health, working with older youth and offering intensive therapy. Clark is an early childhood mental health specialist for Mind Springs Health, a position shes held for two decades. When asked about signs and behaviors parents should look for when trying to determine whether their child might need mental health support, the two mental health professionals provided the following list. Read more  Read the full Out of the Shadows mental health series   Persistent sadness that lasts longer than two or three weeks   Increased irritability   Big mood swings   Increased isolation   Changes in eating and sleeping patterns   Avoidance of activities they used to enjoy   A drop in grades   Withdrawal from social activities   Regressed behavior  reverting back to behaviors that are typical for a younger child   Increased crying with an inability to regulate emotions   Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself   Talking about death or suicide   Loss of weight   Difficulty sleeping  I think if a parent is worried, its good to talk to the people who also know your child  a teacher, a pediatrician, good friends who kids the same age, Clark said. And if its a persistent worry, I think its good to reach out to a mental health professional or take advantage of the programs in the schools.  Bakarich reminds parents that school counselors are also a good resource, and she recommends teens go visit with their counselor if they are struggling. She also said parents should try to stay connected to their kids. They say the most important times of the day are the first three minutes after your kid gets up, the first three minutes when your kid gets home from school and the last three minutes of their day, Bakarich said. If you can be 100% present for those nine minutes per day, youre going to catch a lot of these things.  To reach Lisa Schlichtman, call 970-871-4221, email lschlichtman@SteamboatPilot.com or follow her on Twitter @lschlichtman.