ORLANDO, Fla. – You may not realize it, but millions of people, including children, are dealing with the challenges of a mental illness every day.
This week is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, and that's why Muriel Jones said she's speaking out-- to help raise awareness and educate parents.
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"He just attacked me. That's when I realized that he was not my Michael," said Muriel Jones, remembering the night 11 years ago that changed her life.
At 14 years old, Jones' son Michael was having a mental breakdown. Jones said she did her best to restrain him until the police came, at the same time Michael said he was hearing voices and was threatening to hurt her.
"I was feeling that he was choosing to behave this way, not realizing that this was something he couldn't get a handle over," said Jones.
Two years later, when Michael was 16, Jones learned she had a relative with schizophrenia. She said finally, doctors were able to diagnose Michael. It turns out her family was too ashamed to speak about mental illness because of a stigma that is preventing families from getting the right help.
"It's not just my family, it's everywhere. We need to eliminate the stigma behind mental health so that people can get the help and resources that they need," said Jones.
In Michael's case, his diagnosis at such a young age is rare. Dr. Rex Birkmire, who is a psychiatrist, said most of the time, patients aren't diagnosed until they are 18 or 24 years old. But he said there are some warning signs during the teen years that parents often overlook. For example, things like slipping grades, isolation from friends and family and overall negative mood.
According to Birkmire, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and bipolar disorder are the most common mental illnesses in boys between the ages of 18 and 24. For girls, the signs can start between 12 and 14 years old. He stresses getting an early diagnosis is key.
"The longer a parent waits to bring a child in for evaluation and treatment, the worse their child's condition gets," said Birkmire. "Parents who are insightful enough to get the treatment early means their child will respond very well to small dosages of medication quickly."
Michael is 25 years old now, and Jones said he is currently doing well. He's living in a group home where Jones tries to visit often. Though he's getting the proper treatment, Jones said she will always have concerns.
"That's my fear. What's going to happen when I'm not here?" said Jones.
The good news is there is plenty of help, and volunteers working to eliminate that fear for families.
Cameron Wood, one of the volunteers helping patients through the Mental Health Association, said he had depression and is using his past challenges to help those who don't have anyone get them through their own crises.
"Things are temporary. Times get hard, but there's always light at the tunnel," said Wood.
"You're not alone. There are a lot of people going through this, they're just going through it in silence," said Jones. "You should never give up. I never gave up on my son."
Mental health resources for families:
Federation of Families of Central Florida, Inc.
Mental Health Association of Central Florida
National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health