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JUN 27, 2022Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
Read More Additional information about 5 things to know about your spine | St. Joseph HealthIt's important to talk to children about mental health, especially because they are naturally curious and can easily be affected by problems as they grow. Explaining mental illness to children may seem awkward and daunting as mental health is a sensitive topic, even for adults. Broaching the topic early on can help children avoid myths, misinformation, and stigma about mental health. It's important as a parent or a caregiver to help children understand that mental illnesses are real and are treatable.
Here's how you can talk to your children about their mental health:
Keep on reading to learn more about each item.
It may not seem necessary to start explaining mental illness to young children. However, it's more difficult to talk to them about mental illness once it happens if you don't ease in early and have regular conversations.
Make sure opportunities for explaining mental illness to children are frequent and natural. You could bring it up when you're out on a walk together or doing an activity your child likes.
Whether or not you think your child may be struggling, it's best to find ways of expressing your concerns or starting a conversation without seeming judgmental. Create a safe space by being reassuring and calm when you talk to them about mental health. Take the time to listen to them and validate how they feel.
Different children have different needs, and those needs vary according to their age and level of understanding. It may be helpful to consider the following points:
If you notice warning signs in your child, it's best to directly initiate a conversation. When you ask them questions, be thoughtful and supportive. Below are signs to watch out for if you think your child is in need of support:
It’s never too early to seek out mental health support for children. Having helpful resources early on is your child's best bet in building the tools they need to deal with mental health problems.
Are you noticing signs that your child is experiencing mental or emotional distress? Talk to a St. Joseph Health pediatrician or ask a St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network primary care physician for a referral to a child psychiatrist.
MentalHealth.gov | For Parents and Caregivers
NAMI | How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health
AACAP.org | Talking To Kids About Mental Illnesses
OnOurSLeeves.org | Supporting Kids' Mental Well-being
TodaysParent.com | 5 strategies for talking to your child about their mental health
Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
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