Your Kid's Mental Health Reset: What You Can Do to Stay Involved
As we embrace the arrival of May and the warmth of spring, we also enter a crucial period of reflection and action—Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we turn our focus to our children, with a reminder to consider their mental health and check in on their emotional development. Just as you might get a physical check-up each year before school, this month serves as a reminder for us to consider the past year of our lives, what we’ve been through, what our children have been through, and how we’re holding up.
As caregivers, we play a critical role in creating a supportive environment for our children’s well-being, and it’s up to us to get them connected with the support they need to thrive in their lives. Luckily, we also have resources like this one that offers practical tips to support them at every stage of their journey.
The Numbers on Children’s Mental Health
To understand the urgency of prioritizing children's mental health, we must consider the alarming statistics shared by the American Psychological Association (APA) and Every Texan Research and Data. The APA reports that one in every five children between the ages of 3 and 17 experiences a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. In Texas, over 1.2 million young people out of the 7 million Texans under the age of 18 report having a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental issue, making up 20% of the state's youth population. Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among ages 10 to 24 in Texas, highlighting the need for supportive adults who can assist children in managing their mental well-being. As parents or guardians, taking an active role in your child's life and mental health journey is critical.
Practical Steps for Parents and Trusted Adults:
As parents and caretakers, we can positively impact our children's lives by actively supporting them. Encouraging open communication, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and engaging in enjoyable activities are essential. These key strategies can help address stress and anxiety and assist in coping with depression.
1. Fostering Open Communication with Regular Check-Ins:
Developing a healthy and supportive relationship with children requires regular communication and check-ins, providing opportunities to discuss not only stress and anxiety but also any challenges they may face while coping with depression.
Engage with your child daily without distractions, setting aside dedicated moments for one-on-one conversations where they feel heard and supported.
Encourage them to share their feelings and address stress and anxiety openly by asking open-ended questions such as "How are you feeling today?" or "What's been on your mind lately? I'm here to listen."
Practice active listening without judgment and reassure them of your support. This will create a safe space to express their thoughts and emotions.
2. Promoting Healthy Coping Strategies and Relaxation Techniques:
Encouraging positive coping mechanisms and relaxation methods is essential to promote children's overall mental health.
Teach them easy relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help them manage stress and anxiety.
Encourage them to get outside to reap the mental health benefits of nature and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Establishing a consistent daily routine can provide stability and reduce anxiety. Incorporating uplifting activities like art, music, or reading can help them manage stress effectively.
3. Engaging in Activities Together:
Spending quality time with your family can significantly improve your child's mental health, help build a strong connection, and encourage meaningful conversations about your child's overall health.
Engage in activities that promote bonding between family members, such as cooking meals together, playing games, and exploring nature.
Encourage your child to express themselves through arts, music, or other hobbies, and embrace outdoor activities that uplift their mood and ease anxiety.
It's essential to prioritize activities your child enjoys to strengthen the bond between you and your child and contribute to their happiness and resilience.
Seeking Professional Help and Collaborating with Schools:
Ensuring your child receives timely support for their mental health is crucial. You can take several vital steps to seek professional help and collaborate effectively with schools.
Early Intervention: If you notice significant changes in your child's behavior or mood, don't hesitate to seek the help of a mental health professional promptly. Early intervention is critical for successful treatment and support.
Contacting a Mental Health Professional: Contact a mental health professional who can provide tailored coping strategies and valuable insights for your family's well-being. They can guide you in supporting your child's mental well-being and help you stay on track.
Collaboration with Schools: Establish open communication with teachers, school counselors, and healthcare providers to stay informed about your child's academic and social experiences. Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events to discuss any concerns raised by educators proactively.
Advocating for Your Child's Needs: Take an active role in advocating for your child's needs, whether it involves accessing counseling services, pursuing evaluations for developmental or behavioral concerns, or seeking guidance on navigating mental health challenges.
North Texas Adult and Child Counseling Center Supports Children & Their Parents
As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, prioritize your child's mental health journey by working with professionals and educators to create a supportive environment that nurtures your child's mental well-being and sets them on a fulfilling life.
You play a crucial role in your child's mental health journey. By regularly checking in with them, leading by example when it comes to self-care, and creating a safe space to process their emotions, you are equipping them with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges. Remember that you are not alone on this journey. Our North Texas Adult & Child Counseling Center team is committed to creating an environment where your child can confidently feel understood, supported, and equipped to handle life's challenges. Early intervention and treatment are critical, and by taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to help your child. By nurturing open communication, promoting self-care, and maintaining stability, you can inspire your child to live their best life.
If you have any questions or want to schedule a free consultation, please don't hesitate to contact us at 817-701-9595, email northtxadultcounselingcenter@gmail.com, or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.
