Dual diagnosis
Okay, kiddo, let's talk about something called "dual diagnosis". Sometimes people have a hard time feeling okay in their brains, and it can be because of two different things at the same time. That's where the word "dual" comes from, like having two things happening at once.
One of these things is something called a "mental health disorder", which means that their brain might have trouble with things like feeling sad or scared or worried, or doing everyday things like schoolwork or chores. It's like their brain is playing a trick on them and making them feel bad or not want to do things.
The other thing that might be going on is called a "substance use disorder", which means that they might be using things like drugs or alcohol to try and make themselves feel better. This can happen because they think it will help them relax, feel happy or forget their troubles, but it can actually make things worse in the long run.
So, kiddo, when someone has a dual diagnosis, it means that they have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time, and sometimes those two things can make each other worse. But it's okay, because there are lots of people who are trained to help them figure out what's going on and how to get better. Just like when you have a tummy ache, you go to the doctor, and they can help you feel better- it's the same thing for people with a dual diagnosis.
One of these things is something called a "mental health disorder", which means that their brain might have trouble with things like feeling sad or scared or worried, or doing everyday things like schoolwork or chores. It's like their brain is playing a trick on them and making them feel bad or not want to do things.
The other thing that might be going on is called a "substance use disorder", which means that they might be using things like drugs or alcohol to try and make themselves feel better. This can happen because they think it will help them relax, feel happy or forget their troubles, but it can actually make things worse in the long run.
So, kiddo, when someone has a dual diagnosis, it means that they have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time, and sometimes those two things can make each other worse. But it's okay, because there are lots of people who are trained to help them figure out what's going on and how to get better. Just like when you have a tummy ache, you go to the doctor, and they can help you feel better- it's the same thing for people with a dual diagnosis.