Monmouth County's Ask The Doctor September/October 2018

H E A L T H Y M I N D & S O U L

Your child may be hesitant to talk at first and just provide one-word answers. That’s OK. It’s not about the words that are exchanged; some of best interactions will be through shared experiences while working on something together or trying to complete a task together. Once you’ve established a level of comfort and trust, your child will talk when they are ready. They may even choose to talk to another trusted family member. Be open and supportive about whoever she chooses to confide in. Should We Go to the ER? Once you understand more about the issues your child is facing, seek support services, whether it’s through your primary care physician, religious group, friends, family, community services or school resources. If he or she is threatening self-harm or harm to someone else, a visit to the local emergency department is necessary. Hos- pitals are staffed with skilled mental health professionals who can help ensure your child stays safe. A recent study in the jour- nal Pediatrics found that the numbers of kids being admitted or seeking help in the emergency department or hospital for suicidal ideation or attempts have almost tripled from 2008 to 2015. The rate of increase was highest among adolescent girls. Be mindful of the potential risk factors and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation and behavior: • A past history of suicide attempts • A history of non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors • Substance use • Recent interpersonal conflicts Protective factors, or qualities that can help a child cope with depression, include having a supportive family and social network and having a strong sense of religious or cultural identity. Once the child gets the support she needs, discuss a “safety plan” and the coping mechanisms that will be implemented if she becomes depressed again. Suicide is preventable by knowing the signs and being observant. Be mindful and attentive to any emotional changes that you may notice, and take steps to get your child help and support. Ankur Desai, MD, is a board-certified adolescent psychiatrist on staff at CentraState Medical Center and can be reached by calling 866-CENTRA7.

Relax in a spa like environment. Dr. Richard Allen, DC strives to deliver quality wellness and pain management care using Chiropractic, PhysicalTherapy, FlexibilityWork, In-Office Rehabilitation Services & Home Care Recommendations. Michelle Gursky Allen, MS,RD,CDN provides nutrition counseling for people with eating disorders, weight management issues and medical nutrition therapy, using a nonjudgmental and collaborative approach. Dr. Herng Wu, Lic. Ac., Dipl. O.M., Ph.D. Acupuncture services can help a number of issues such as chronic pain, hypertension, weight, sleep, anxiety, fertility and menopausal changes. Dr. Margo Hurewitz, PsyD licensed psychologist who specializes in treating children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia as well as other psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.

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