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Editor's note: This is the fourth in a series of four articles brought to you by Youth Health Service to highlight the importance of caring for every child's mental health.
As a parent, you want the best for your child; you want your child to be happy, healthy, achieving well in school, hitting developmental milestones and just an all-around "normal" kid. So, what do you do when you begin to notice some things that aren't "normal"?
Most of us can easily say that if we notice an allergy problem we would follow-up with our pediatrician, a vision problem would result in a trip to the eye doctor and academic problems may result in a tutor. What if the "problem" is emotional? Your child isn't sleeping well or at all, he/she is sad or withdrawn more often than not, your child has intense worries or fears that interfere with daily activities. Many parents are stumped by these symptoms and sometimes even over-look them. In an effort to bring awareness to children's mental health needs, Youth Health Service offers the following guidance.
It is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling with a mental health need. Some of those signs may include: showing drastic changes in behavior or personality, having severe mood swings, displaying a significant change in appetite, attempts to harm themselves. If you notice any of these behaviors in your child, don't overlook them. Talk with your child about how they're feeling, how often they're feeling that way and convey your concern. When talking with your child about your concerns, talk with them in a straightforward manner at a time when your child feels safe and comfortable. Be sure to listen openly when talking with him/her and let them tell you about their feelings and worries.
If you are still concerned about your child's behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. Talk with your child's pediatrician, school nurse or guidance counselor about the behaviors that are concerning you. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations on further evaluations that may be helpful in getting your child help for the behaviors that concern you. Contact your local community mental health agency to get help in finding treatment specific to the concerns facing your child.
So, now that you've gotten connected with your pediatrician and the local mental health agency and your child is getting help, what's next? Don't forget that your child is one part of your family and that his/her diagnosis is likely to impact the family as whole. Take time to talk with siblings about what's happening and why their sibling may be getting certain attention or leaving school more often. Family therapy sessions can often be helpful with this, and can go far in helping to provide support to the entire family. Beyond family sessions, caregivers can also find support from their own therapy and support groups. Above all, caregivers need to remember to take care of themselves, love and support their child, and remember that helping a child live with mental health need is a process.
For more information about children's mental health please visit www.mentalhealth.gov, www.parenttoolkit.com or www.youth-health.org, or call Youth Health Service at 304-636-9450.