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Mental Health Month | Tips for Caregivers
Looking for indicators of a mental health problem in kids and what to do if additional support is needed.
May is Mental Health Month, and parents and caregivers play a crucial role in children and teens’ mental health. It can sometimes be hard to distinguish what is normal kid behavior and what is cause for alarm.
Over half of high-risk children in the United States are not receiving behavioral health services critical to their mental, emotional, and physical well-being, new research warns. It can be hard for caregivers and parents to determine when seeking professional help for their teen’s mental, emotional, behavioral health is necessary.
It is important to have a ‘baseline’ for kids’ behaviors so that caregivers can spot the red flags.
Marcie Dullea, Outpatient Therapist for Wedgwood Christian Services, shares some tips for parents and caregivers on to what look for in kids.
“Talk with, and listen to your kids,” said Dullea. “Know what they are up to, what is going on in their lives, and how they are feeling. Ask about their day, their friends and what they think about current events. And then listen to what they have to say. Give them a safe space to share openly and honestly about how they are feeling.”
Key things to look for include:
- Changes in sleeping habits – fatigue, sleeping more, or insomnia
- Acting out more than usual or extreme mood changes
- Signs of self-harm
- Changes in eating habits – such as eating more than usual or a lot less
- Isolating from friends and family more than normal
- Using substances – smoking cigarettes, vaping, drinking alcohol, or other drugs
- Complaints of body aches and pains that aren’t related to a physical issue
- Sudden changes in activities and involvement – not participating in previously enjoyed activities, no longer caring about academics and/or extracurriculars, or suddenly partaking in dangerous behaviors.
If kids are exhibiting signs of mental health distress, it might be time to reach out for additional, professional support by connecting with community resources available through churches, schools, and mental health organizations.
“Just as you love and extend grace to your child as they deal with mental health challenges, remember to give yourself some grace, too,” added Dullea. “Teens are dealing with a lot these days and the need for professional counseling support does not mean you have failed them. We are here to help you, your child, and your family.”
Wedgwood’s Outpatient Counseling is available for children, teens, families, and adults in the Grand Rapids community. Therapists are ready and able to offer grace-filled support. With teletherapy options, Wedgwood has immediate openings for new clients.
To set up an initial appointment and get connected to a Wedgwood therapist, call 616.942.7294 or email counseling@wedgwood.org. Learn more about Wedgwood’s Outpatient Counseling Services by visiting www.wedgwood.org/counseling.