How To Explain Mental Health Issues To A Child

September 07, 2021

Make sure that the child understands that its not their job to look after the ill person either. The traumatic impact of abuse and neglect increases the likelihood of children developing a range of mental health issues both during childhood and in later life.

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Also use this time to explain how your mental illness is.

How to explain mental health issues to a child. Watch their childs reaction during the discussion. In these times it can be very hard to open up about an issue like depression or anxietyeven with someone you trust like a parent. Have the discussion when the child feels safe and comfortable.

Make regular time to talk to older children about how they are feeling. It can help to explain these more complex topics to children when an example can be made that will relate to them. Slow down or back up if the child becomes confused or looks upset.

I truly believe our emotions drive our behavior. Since mental disorders last long and rarely go away completely they can continue through a persons lifespan. She explains that kids should understand that mental health means having a balance in life and this balance looks different for everyone.

When talking about mental illnesses parents should. A childs mental health is critical to their overall health and wellbeing. They need to understand that mental illness is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain age appropriate dont forget and that will some help you will work your way back to who you used to be.

Abuse and neglect. Explain as simply as possible how your mental health affects how you feel and how you behave. For example on a day when loud noises might be bothering me I might ask my son to keep it down for me and explain why.

Child mental health problems occur at many different ages although most children experience some form of emotional or behavioral difficulties before the age of 5 years. The mental health of children can be adversely affected by tragic events like the death of a parent divorce separation or marriage environmental shocks and financial loss. Communicate at a level that is appropriate to a childs age and development level.

Enroll in parent training programs particularly those designed for parents of children with a mental illness. These include anxiety depression eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD Norman et al 2012. Stick with clear and age-appropriate information.

Self-harm A child who deliberately harms themselves such as cutting or burning may be suffering a mental health condition. This is a perfect opportunity to let your child know if youre having a good day or if you need a little extra help. There are several ideas that are transferable from the realm of physical illness to the realm of mental illness.

Parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. Unlike adults children with a mental health condition might complain about headaches and stomachaches rather than specifically expressing sadness or anxiety. When not diagnosed and treated early children that have mental disorders end up having problems in school at home and also in their social life.

Explore stress management techniques to help you respond calmly. Navigating the world each day can become confusing and scary. How Do I Explain It to Them.

For example there is a popular Disney movie my kids love called Inside Out. Communicate in a straightforward manner. It is important for your child to know that your mental illness is not their fault or anyone elses.

Theres a very fine line between a child being aware and understanding of an. Be available to listen if they are having problems or if they just want to talk. The first thing I openly discuss with my children is our emotions.

The father of my children has been diagnosed as being bipolar having PTSD and also schizophrenia. Explain that they are not responsible for how the person with the illness feels or behaves. Mental health issues can sneak up on anyone at any time.

We know it is very important to talk openly and honestly to children about mental health says Jill Dennison a mental health promotion and resilience facilitator at the Canadian Mental Health Association based in Hamilton Ont. Ask your childs mental health professional for advice on how to respond to your child and handle difficult behavior. - Balance an understanding of your childs temperament with his.

The Father of My Kids Has Mental Health Issues. Seek ways to relax and have fun with your child. Without treatment children with mental health issues are at increased risk of school failure contact with the criminal justice system dependence on social services and even suicide.

During times of uncertainty depression and other mental health challenges can quickly cast shadows over things that used to bring joy.

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