National PTA Program on Kids' Emotional Struggles

Find Out How to Tell When a Kid is Struggling Emotionally

It's not always obvious when your child—or one you care about—is struggling emotionally.  Recognizing the symptoms and seeking early and effective mental health services are critical  for educational achievement, as well as long-term health and happiness. Join the National PTA and American Psychological Association (APA) on Sunday, May 4  at 7 p.m. EDT for an important conversation: How to Tell When a Kid is Struggling  Emotionally. Renowned psychologist Dr. Mary Alvord will speak frankly with parents, educators and youth-serving professionals about how to recognize when a youth is struggling, and what to do about it when you know a child or teen needs help. Click to register for web viewing or audio listening.  Follow the conversation on Twitter @NationalPTA. Share the invitation with other parents, educators and youth-serving professionals. Get Informed – Make the Difference Half of all lifetime cases of mental health disorders begin by age 14. While 21% of all children ages 9 to 17 in the United States have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder , only 20% of them are identified and receive mental health services each year . Early detection and treatment of mental health disorders is imperative for student success. Half of students ages 14 and older who live with a mental illness drop out of high school – the highest dropout rate of any disability group – and these youth also experience higher suicide and incarceration rates .   Parents, educators and youth-serving professionals can change these devastating outcomes by recognizing the signs when a youth is struggling emotionally, and knowing the ways to help students and families seek effective treatment. Together, we can increase the percentage of students who receive the mental health services they need in order to succeed in school, continue to develop socially, and fully experience the purpose and joys of life.   You can make the difference. Questions? Contact National PTA Programs.