One in every five young people in the United States show signs and symptoms of a mental health problem, but too often we don’t recognize the warning signs. According to the U.S. Surgeon General half of these young people will also develop a problem with drugs. Do you know what signs to look for in your children and how to help?

Left untreated, mental health and addiction disorder can result in poor performance in school, behavior problems, relationship problems, or even suicide. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. Experts say that unfortunately, most of these young people don’t get the professional help they need before it’s too late.

Substance abuse and mental health problems are each primary disorders. However, research shows that when a young person has both mental health and substance abuse problems, it’s usually the mental health disorder that develops first. Young people with mental health problems may use marijuana, other illicit drugs, or alcohol to try to treat themselves, or “self-medicate.” This can rapidly lead to drug dependence. The illicit drug or alcohol use can make mental health problems worse, or even interfere with medications prescribed to treat the mental illness. In some young people, drug abuse can create new symptoms that look like a mental health disorder, such as episodes of depression, rage or hallucinations.

Parents play a critical role in helping identify and/or solve their children’s mental health and substance abuse problems, Studies show that children look to their parents as the best source of information and guidance on serous issues affecting their lives. Be alert to symptoms such as problems at school, changes in eating or sleeping habits, diminishing physical health and appearance, and the inability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.