Many parents believe that mental illness is something that happens to someone else's child. Most families are not prepared to cope with a child who’s suffering from mental illness. As parents we struggle to say and do the right things for our children.
When we are faced with challenges we don’t understand, we often feel as though we are being pushed to our limits. The most important thing is to remember that support is available, it’s ok to talk about these challenges, you are not alone. It can be physically and emotionally trying, and can make us feel vulnerable to the judgment of others. If you think your child is experiencing symptoms of mental illness, it is important to remember that mental health challenges are common, and that help is available and should be sought. With appropriate assessment, identification, and intervention, all mental illnesses can be treated and managed.
Factors that may further increase stress and vulnerability:
• Family violence/conflict
• Negative experiences at school
• Poor housing or living conditions
• Family history of mental illness
7 signs your child might need mental health support:
1. Change in mood. Avoiding family time, snappy with siblings with no explanation, extreme sadness or mood swings.
2. Intense feelings. Unexplained fear, worrying that is interfering with daily activities. Sudden episodes of fear may be accompanied with rapid heart rate and fast breathing.
3. Change in behavior. This may include a change in friends, dangerous or out of control behavior, getting in fights frequently, sudden change in grades or effort at school. Change in verbal expression towards others, hostile or threatening.
4. Difficulty concentrating. Look for signs of trouble focusing or sitting still, both of which might lead to poor performance in school.
5. Unexplained weight loss. Loss of appetite, decrease in activity level, loss of interest in food or mealtime.
6. Physical harm. Self-injury, unexplained marks or scars. Expressions of suicidal thoughts or actual attempts at self-harm or suicide.
7. Substance abuse. Some kids use drugs or alcohol to try to cope with their feelings.
Myth: Children cannot have a mental illness
Fact: Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24. Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.