Parents & Caregivers
Are we paying attention to our children and young people?
Do you have children, teenagers, or young adults in your life? Are you caring for them, meaning responsible for their well being, food, shelter, clothing, emotional, spiritual, and physical support? This email is for you!
We want the best for our children and other dependents. You may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure the best support for their emotional health is provided
It is important to “LISTEN” and be aware of emotional struggles and mental health illnesses or challenges. There are warning signs that your child or young adult may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when they may need help.
Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child or young person shows one or more of the following behaviors:
Feeling very sad, withdrawn, or easily irritated for more than two weeks
Seriously, trying to harm or kill themselves or making plans to do so
Experiencing sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight
Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting themselves in physical danger or causing problems in school
Using drugs or alcohol
Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality
A drop in their school performance
Because children, teenagers, and young adults often can't understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:
Loss of a loved one
Divorce or separation of their parents
Any major transition—new home, new school, etc.
Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
Teasing or bullying
Difficulties in school or with classmates
Talk to your child's doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you.
Ask your child's primary care physician if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral changes.
Ask if your child's specialist is experienced in treating what you are observing.
Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans. Be involved and vocal about what feels uncomfortable and your concerns as a parent or caregiver for your child.
How to talk about mental health with your child.
Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health?
Try leading with these questions and actively listen to their response:
Can you tell me more about what is happening? How are you feeling?
Have you had feelings like this in the past?
Sometimes, you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I'm here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about what you are feeling?
I'm concerned about your safety, feelings, and how you are expressing them. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?
When talking about mental health problems with your child, the following are things to remember:
Communicate in a straightforward manner
Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child or adolescent's age and development level (preschool children need fewer details than teenagers or young adults)
Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child becomes confused or looks upset
Listen openly and let your child tell you about their feelings and worries without judgment or attempting to fix them at that moment.
By all means, and first and foremost, pray, seek wisdom and counsel.
For counseling with one of our team members or a referral, CLICK HERE.