It can be difficult to know how to talk to your children about mental health topics, especially if they are still young. However, because mental health problems continue to be a growing issue, it is very important to teach children about topics related to their mental health at a young age. This way, if they do experience mental health problems later on, they will have a better understanding of what they are going through and will know how to ask for help.
When speaking with your children about mental health topics, it is important to be honest with them, talk using language that they will understand, and allow them to ask any questions that they may have.
How Do I Start a Conversation About Mental Health With My Child?
When you are ready to talk to your child about mental health, make sure that they are in an environment where they are not going to be distracted and will be able to fully focus on what you’re saying as much as possible. Make sure to turn off the television or other devices that may take away from the conversation. Don’t become frustrated if they don’t show a lot of interest at first. Chances are, they are paying more attention than they are letting on.
You can start teaching your children about mental health when they’re still young by using comparisons to things in life that they already understand. Ask them to consider a physical injury or illness that they have experienced before. Maybe it is a bruised knee or an upset stomach. You can then tell them that just as they have experienced physical injuries, it is possible to experience that same pain in their mind.
It is up to you how much detail you want to get into regarding certain topics like anxiety and depression. But they should know that these things exist so that they can be prepared if they experienced them in the future.
It’s important to also talk about the fact that just because they may experience these things at some point does not mean that there is anything wrong with them or that they’ve done anything to deserve it. Make them aware that there is help available and that there are lots of things that can be done to help them to start feeling better. Perhaps most importantly, make sure that they know that they can always come to you for help if they are struggling with their mental health.
How Do I Know If My Child Is Having Mental Health Problems?
There may come a time in life when you suspect that there is something wrong with your child, but you don’t know what. This is why it is important to be able to recognize the signs of mental health problems within a child. It is important to note that every child is different, and the way that one child may exhibit these signs could be different from another. However, there are some general signs to be on the lookout for. Some of these examples include:
- Withdrawing from other people or wanting to be alone
- Not wanting to go to school
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Having sudden changes in mood or personality
- Struggling with an intense fear that is keeping them from going about their daily activities
- Getting into frequent fights
- Lashing out and becoming aggressive
- Changes in performance at school
There are a lot of different factors that can play into a child struggling with mental health-related issues. Some common factors include:
- Experiencing the loss of a loved one
- Being the victim of bullying
- Experiencing some sort of trauma
- Being the victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Moving to a new home or school
- Having parents who recently split up
What Do I Do If I Think My Child Has a Mental Health Problem?
If you suspect that your child is struggling with their mental health, the first thing you should do is consult with their pediatrician. They can help guide you through the next steps. They may want you to bring your child in for a diagnosis. Their pediatrician could prescribe medication, therapy, or specific life changes that may help.
You may also want to talk to your child’s teacher or coach. This can help you get a better idea of what may be happening when you’re not around, which could be influencing your child’s mood, behavior, and mental health.
It is also important to have a candid conversation with your child and try to get to the bottom of things. Encourage them to open up to you about their feelings. This can help you to know how to better help them.
It can be difficult to talk to your child about mental health-related topics, but it is essential. Children need to know that things like anxiety and depression exist and that if they ever experience them, there is help available. Be honest with your child about these topics and allow them to ask questions. Make sure they know they can always come to you about any issues regarding their feelings. It is also important to know how to recognize the signs that your child may be struggling with their mental health so you can get them the help they need. To learn more about mental health-related topics and our programs, call The Ho Tai Way at (714) 881-8931.
