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Why do you think parents miss the warning signs of mental illness in their kids?

Poll - Total Votes: 15

Busy with their own problems

They hope their kid will just grow out of it

It's hard to tell

It's easy to miss

Everyone is on the spectrum of mental illness

Show Results

You can only vote on one answer.

Loss of interest in usual fun activities

Withdrawal from social or usual pleasurable activities

Difficulties with concentration
Running away from home or talking about running away from home

Talking about death or dying, giving away (or talking about giving away) favorite possessions, writing goodbye letters

Sleep increase (or decrease)

Appetite/weight changes (more likely an increase, in depressed teens)

Occasionally, new or recent onset agitation or aggression

Comments indicating hopelessness or low self-worth

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DearAmbellina2113 · 41-45, F

I think it's a combo of not paying enough attention and not seeing how serious it is. They tend to dismiss their kid's problem as "not a big deal" or "it's just teenage hormones", instead of really tackling the issue.

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@DearAmbellina2113 That can be part of the matter.
How do parents decipher between mental health issues and a "normal" kid issue? What are the criteria? What is the length of it supposed to be? How do parents really recognize the differences?

Lostpoet · M

@Phire1 You make a good point.

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@Lostpoet If there were perfect parents there would be perfect people...therefore; perfect parents, perfect people...so on.

No such thing.

Lostpoet · M

@Phire1 So true. You sound like a really good mom your kid is lucky to have you.

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@Lostpoet Thank you!
I'm a mom of two adult sons. I'm aware that I'm not a perfect parent, neither are their dads. I am extremely proud of my sons, though! :D

Lostpoet · M

@Phire1 They have one smart mom. 💛

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@Lostpoet However, some mental health matters can be genetic... along with the mix of environmental aspects.

If we're to teach potential parents about such then the human development classes, the psychology classes, the medical classes, etc., should start to become taught in elementary school... not once entering college (depending on one's career choice).

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@Lostpoet ❤️