One in Five Minds Blog

Veterans Day is a time to step back and honor those who have served or are currently serving our country. It’s a day to reflect on how the service and sacrifice of others have paved the way for the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children. About 10% of children ages 4 to 17 suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to data collected from 2015 to 2016 by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Children diagnosed with ADHD often perform poorly in school as they struggle to control their hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. This significantly impacts their ability to learn effectively.

As we settle into fall, the big military moving season is behind us. And if you experienced a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) over the summer, your family is likely working hard to establish new routines at home, in the community, and at school. Whether your family members are seasoned PCS warriors or this is your first relocation, your children are most likely experiencing strong feelings about the change, including changing friends, teachers, coaches, activities, weather, places of worship, family schedules and activities, medical providers, and expectations.

When a child is injured or traumatized in some way, it’s not unusual for the parents to also experience some emotional impact from the trauma. This is called secondary traumatic stress, or STS, and it’s a form of persistent emotional distress that comes from dealing with your child’s trauma firsthand. STS is more than just feeling burnt out; its signs and symptoms are similar to posttraumatic stress. And parents with their own history of trauma can be especially vulnerable to STS.

The role of an advocate is to support, speak on behalf of, promote, protect, and champion. Children, even if they are nearing legal age, require a champion in their corner (and the more the merrier). This is especially true when a mental health struggle is present. For military children, given their unique experience, a caregiver who takes on the role of champion plays an important part in promoting the overall well-being of a child, including their mental health.

The school year is coming to a close and your kids can’t wait for summer. They’re looking forward to staying up late, sleeping in, playing outside and going to the pool. Meanwhile you are thinking ahead, dreading the transition from the structure-less summer to the structure-filled school year and the inevitable challenges for your child once the school year starts. Children often have difficulty adjusting to transitions and some struggle more than others. Luckily, you can reduce the stress of adjusting to a new school year by adding some light structure to your child’s summer schedule.