Category Archives: Mental Health

HELP! My Child is Struggling in School!

From kindergarten through high school, our children spend the bulk of their day at school. Within the school setting, they learn new skills and demonstrate mastery of educational concepts, form new friendships and nurture old ones, solve problems, manage conflicts and disagreements, and grow. Not infrequently, however, children begin to experience symptoms of a psychiatric illness that may greatly interfere with his ability to accomplish these tasks at school. The statistics bear out this very real risk of psychiatric illness.

The Scoop on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

February 27, 2018 0 comments Children's Mental Health, Mental Health, Parenting abuse, Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama, bullying, Dr. Leesha, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, Mental Health, Mental Illness Education, neglect, Parenting, Psychiatrist, PTSD Dr. Leesha

School shootings. Bullying. Sexual assaults. Hurricanes. Flooding. Tornadoes. Car accidents. Fires. Physical and sexual abuse. Exposure to violence. These days, the traumas that our children face seem endless. Exposure to traumatic events such as these can lead to the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

The Scoop on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

February 11, 2018 0 comments Children's Mental Health, Health Education, Mental Health Autism, Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama, Mental Health, Mental Illness Education, Parenting, Psychiatrist Dr. Leesha

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 68 children has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is almost 4.5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 189). This neurodevelopmental disorder typically appears in children before the age of 3. While there is no cure for Autism, children make significant gains socially, emotionally, and cognitively through early intervention programs and treatment that targets some of the core symptoms of the disease.

The Scoop on ODD

January 31, 2018 0 comments Children's Mental Health, Mental Health, Parenting Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama, disruptive behavior, Dr. Leesha, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, Mental Health, Mental Illness Education, Parenting, positive parenting Dr. Leesha

Typically first diagnosed in elementary-aged youth, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is a psychiatric condition characterized by a chronic pattern of disruptive behavior. Estimates suggest that anywhere from 6 – 10% of children have ODD. Core features include negativity, anger and hostility, verbal aggression, and behavioral outbursts. While all children periodically display developmentally appropriate oppositional behavior and test limits, those with ODD have frequent anger outbursts and repeatedly refuse to comply with rules and instructions.

The Scoop on ADHD

January 23, 2018 0 comments Children's Mental Health, Mental Health, Parenting Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama, Dr. Leesha, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, Mental Health, Mental Illness Education, Parenting Dr. Leesha

In an effort to educate parents and families about mental illness, I have decided to write a series called, “The Scoop.” Every week, I will feature a different psychiatric disorder and discuss 5 facts about that illness to promote awareness and improve understanding of the condition. This post focuses on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 11% of children ages 4 – 17 years old have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.

My 3 New Year Wishes for All Moms

January 14, 2018 0 comments Faith, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Parenting Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama, Dr. Leesha, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, Mental Health, Mental Illness Education, Parenting Dr. Leesha

A new year often ignites a desire for change, a fresh approach. For the last several years, I have had the same goals – to get my “fine on,” incorporate more healthy parenting strategies, and to improve my financial position. And, every year I start off strong and then fizzle out by the spring. This year I still have those same goals, and I will continue to plow and toil to meet those goals; but, I also wanted to share my wishes for this new year in 2018 for all the moms.

Dr. Leesha

Cultivating Healthy Minds. Harvesting Hope.