Starting in infancy, children mimic their parents’ actions, speech and beliefs, whether good or bad. Studies show that the same goes for parents’ stigma about mental health. Parents’ attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment are a factor in their child’s intentions to pursue psychological help (Vogel, et al., 2009). In other words, if you, as a parent, have a negative view about people with mental health concerns, your child is less likely to speak up about their own mental health. Failing to address a child’s mental health may be extremely harmful and the affects may carry on into adulthood.

Dr. Pahlavan is a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical director of the child and adolescent day treatment and partial hospitalization services at Rogers Memorial Hospital.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is often first noticed during the preschool and early school years. One of the most common childhood disorders, ADHD affects 5 to 8 percent of school age children.