By: Stan Popovich
Do you worry about how your son or daughter can handle today’s mental health issues such as bullying, peer pressure, depression, and addiction?
Mental health problems are common in children and teens. It is best to notice a problem early on and get treatment to support your child. The tricky thing is that kids and teens are always growing and changing.
It can be hard to tell the difference between mood and behavior changes that commonly happen as children age and ones that are a sign of anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.
Signs Your Child Is Struggling with Mental Health
Mental health problems affect thinking, emotions and behavior. Parents, teachers, coaches and others can help identify early signs of mental health issues. Here are some signs that you can look for to see if your child is struggling with their mental health.
- Is feeling very sad or withdrawn.
- Has severe mood swings.
- Shows big changes in behavior.
- Often has problems in friendships and other relationships.
- Has a sudden overwhelming fear or worry that does not match the situation.
- Seems unusually irritable.
- Displays explosive anger.
- Has trouble sleeping.
- Changes their eating habits.
- Loses weight.
- Spends so much time alone that it gets in the way of doing other activities.
- Is taking new risks, like using drugs or alcohol.
- Has lots of stomachaches or headaches.
- Avoids school or stops doing as well as they used to in school.
If a child is showing one or more of these signs, talk with their parent right away. If it’s your child, contact your doctor and tell them your concerns. Talk with your child about how to cope with their anxieties and stresses.
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Wellness
1. Talk to your children: One of the most important things a parent can do is to talk to their children about their problems. Do not bombard your son or daughter with endless questions and do not get argumentative. Establish some dialogue with your children so they will be willing to talk with you.
2. Education is key: Both parents should be familiar on the issues of bullying, suicide, addiction, and other mental health issues. Every teenager should be aware of the resources that are available, and they should know where to go for help.
3. Watch for any red flags: If you notice any changes in your teenager’s moods or behaviors, discuss these changes with your son or daughter. If things get serious, talk to a counselor for some advice. Do not assume that your teenager is going through a phase or that they will snap out of it.
4. Encourage your children to talk to you: Many teenagers are reluctant to talk to their parents because they are afraid their parents will get angry and take it out on them. Some teenagers may think their parents won’t be able to understand their situation. With this in mind, establish a sense of trust with your teenager and encourage them to come to you when they are struggling.
5. Listen to your children: Listen to what your kids are telling you. Be aware that your child may want to be heard and understood.
6. Talk with your child’s school: Be sure that your child is receiving appropriate care and services at school. Children with possible mental health issues may struggle in school without assistance, leading to frustration and stress.
7. See things from your children’s perspective: Many parents engage their children from their own point of view. Try to see things from your teenager’s perspective when dealing with their problems. Once you see things from their perspective, you will be better able to get your teenager to open up to you.
8. Manage your children’s social media: Parents can work with their children to create healthy digital habits and encourage moderation in its use. Discussing the negative effects with children and teens to raise awareness can help manage the effects. Parents may want to suggest the following strategies:
• Take regular breaks from digital devices.
• Turn off notifications.
• Establish phone-free hours and spaces.
• Discuss appropriate boundaries and behaviors when interacting online.
9. Get advice from other parents: If you have trouble getting your teenager to open up to you, try talking to other parents to see how they talk to their sons and daughters. You may get some helpful insights on how you can engage your children.
Where To Find Help for Your Child
Information and referrals regarding the types of services that are available for children may be obtained from:
- Mental health organizations, hotlines and libraries
- Other professionals such as the child’s pediatrician or school counselor
- Other families in the community
- Family network organizations
- Community-based psychiatric care
- Crisis outreach teams
- Education or special education services
- Family resource centers and support groups
- Health services
- Protection and advocacy groups and organizations
- Self-help and support groups
A child’s mental health is important because it forms the foundation for their overall well-being, impacting their ability to learn, build relationships, cope with challenges, and succeed in life. Neglecting mental health issues in childhood can lead to long-term problems in adulthood.
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