Q I have a mental disorder - it is severe claustrophobia. I take my medication and go to counselling. I have a job and I am dating. I hope to get married and have children. Will my children have claustrophobia too?A Your fear of closed spaces is not rare. I am happy to know that you are in therapy and are happy socially. It is great that you have gone on with your life. Most children overcome fears such as claustrophobia once they get help early. There is no information that says your children will have the same fears you have, and what is great and important is that you have dealt with the problem well and I am sure that you will help others who present with this problem by guiding them to counselling services that can help them.
Q My child fell off a mango tree a year ago and we have concerns that she is not learning or socialising
A Traumatic brain injury can have many effects. Two main types are usually primary effects, such as skull fracture and damage to the brain tissue, and secondary effects
Q Can children be depressed in the same way that adults can be?
A Children who are depressed may show low sense of esteem, poor school performance, anger, weight loss, slow language development and suicidal thoughts. They may also not play as much as they did before, overeat and be clingy. It is important that if you see a child not behaving normally and you know the child to be a usually happy and vibrant person, get help for the child right away.
Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. She is an associate professor at Northern Caribbean University. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.
POSITIVE Parenting