May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Calvin's story...

Calvin was nine years when he was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Prior to his diagnosis, his father struggled to understand his panic attacks and how to help him. He was always fearful that he wouldn’t do well in school or make friends. Activities that seemed simple for most kids made him nervous and afraid. He always cried more often than most kids. Stressful situations caused his heart to race and shortness of breath.

His mother Kim was the first to recognize Calvin’s condition. As a child she too experienced being afraid. Her mother called it timid and told her to get over it. After years of struggling on your own, Kim has learned that help is available.

Turn Awareness to Action: What can I do?

Remember this:

• Prayer is always in order, but sometimes we need more than prayer.
• Knowledge is power. Ask God for strength to initiate discussion that will help us to learn more about our family history of mental illness and disorders.
• Understand that mental illness and disorders are medical health conditions that are often hereditary
• Children ages 6-17 are three times more likely to repeat a grade if they have mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral problems. Resources
• A child who has a family member with an anxiety disorder is more likely to have one too. Kids may inherit genes that make them prone to anxiety. Resources
• Growing up in a family where others are fearful or anxious also can "teach" a child to be afraid. Resources

Help is available. Many companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that offer free counseling services for employees and their family. Contact your Human Relations department to see if your company has a EAP.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns regarding your child's condition.