By: Stan Popovich
Do you worry about how your son or daughter can handle today’s mental health issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and even depression?
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.
Signs Your Child Is Struggling
Mental health problems affect thinking, emotions, and behavior. Parents, teachers, and coaches can help identify early signs of mental health issues. Here are some signs that you can look for:
- Is feeling very sad or withdrawn.
- Displays severe mood swings.
- Shows big changes in behavior.
- Often has problems in friendships and other relationships.
- Have 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.
- Avoid school or stops doing as well as they used to in school.
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health
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 with 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.
Empowering your child to champion their mental health is a skill that will serve them throughout their lives. Teach them about the importance of self-care practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and healthy coping skills. Encourage them to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being, even in the face of peer pressure or expectations.
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. 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. Spend time together: Spending time together is key in learning how to support a child with mental health issues. This can be as simple as eating meals together, taking walks, exploring nature, helping with homework, or picking up a shared hobby. Invest some time in getting to know your child’s friends and interests, as these are important parts of their life.
7. Communicate 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.
8. 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 talk to you.
9. Let them know they are supported: For a child, one of the most important things you can provide is an environment where they know they are loved. Make sure your child knows that they are supported no matter what they do. This will increase their feelings of security and safety in the home.
10. 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 of social media with children and teens can help manage future problems. 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.
11. Get advice from other parents: If you have trouble getting your teenager to open up to you, communicate with other parents to see how they talk to their children. You may get some helpful insights into 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
• Avoid school or stops doing as well as they used to in school
• Discuss appropriate boundaries and behaviors when interacting online
Don’t wait for something to happen. If your child is struggling, reach out for help sooner rather than later. Mental health conditions can worsen over time, so early intervention is a critical part of supporting a child with mental health issues and preventing long term effects.
Trained mental health providers can help your child, and your family enjoy fuller, happier lives. With love, supportive actions, and outside resources, your family can have healthier relationships.
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.
Like What You Read?
You will greatly increase your chances of finding the answers to your mental health issues if you use my book, website articles, and my blog at the same time. You can also review the rest of my website to get a better idea of how my experiences and advice can help you. Consider getting my affordable book right now at PayPal, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble by clicking on Get Stan’s Book
