Those who are parents know that parenting isn’t just a job; it is all the jobs. From cooking, cleaning, ensuring the well-being of our children, and many other tasks, parenting is far from easy. Children grow up and go through many different phases and learning experiences, but how do we know when it isn’t just a tantrum anymore and that it may be something to be concerned about? Mental illness is often unacknowledged or not discussed in families for fear of judgment and stigma. Identifying and establishing services and gaining access to the right care can also be overwhelming to figure out.
When a child receives a mental illness diagnosis, it can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility or parents may blame themselves or question their parenting. When we start to notice changes that seem to be significant in our children, it is important to acknowledge those changes. By seeking resources, support, and care, parents can connect with strong systems of support, both for themselves and for their children. Below are some common diagnoses children can have:
Children can also develop some of the same mental health conditions as adults, but the symptoms may look a little different. Children often don’t have the vocabulary to explain what is going on internally so it is important for parents to acknowledge changes in mood and behavior. If you are noticing any of these signs in your child, connecting with a primary care physician or a specialist is recommended to assure appropriate treatment.
Here are some tips for managing overall mental health:
For additional resources the following links may be helpful:
Learning to Help Your Child and Your Family: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Learning-to-Help-Your-Child-and-Your-Family
Mental Health Conditions Seen in Childhood: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2019/Mental-Health-Conditions-Seen-in-Childhood
Written by: Meaghan Warner, LCSW-S