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Info for Parents & Caregivers

As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your children or  other dependents. You may be concerned or have questions about certain  behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure they get help. Call SRD – while we are NOT a crisis unit we are here to help! 

Here is another great resource to check: they are local and can be a step in the right direction: BeTheDifferenceSCV.org

There is no single cause to suicide. It often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.www.bethedifferencescv.org

What to Look For

Not  sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems?  Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be  an early warning sign of a problem:

– Eating or sleeping too much or too little
– Pulling away from people and usual activities
– Having low or no energy
– Feeling numb or like nothing matters
– Having unexplained aches and pains
– Feeling helpless or hopeless
– Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual
– Thinking of harming yourself or others

– Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
– Yelling or fighting with family and friends
– Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
– Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
– Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head Hearing voices or believing things that are not true.

Because children often can't understand difficult situations on their own,
you should pay particular attention if they experience:

– Loss of a loved one
– Divorce or separation of their parents
– Any major transition – new home, new school, etc.
– Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
– Teasing or bullying
– Difficulties in school or with classmates

  • If you are concerned about your child's behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. You should:

– Talk to your child’s doctor, school nurse, or another health care  provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms  that worry you
– Ask your child’s primary care physician if your child needs further  evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems
– Ask if your child’s specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing
– Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans

How to Talk About Mental Health

Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health? Try leading with these questions. Make sure you actively listen to your child's response.

– Can you tell me more about what is happening? How you are feeling?
– Have you had feelings like this in the past?
– Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I’m here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
– Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?
– I’m worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?

When talking about mental health problems with your child you should:

– Communicate in a straightforward manner
– Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child or adolescent’s age  and development level (preschool children need fewer details than  teenagers)
– Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
– Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child becomes confused or looks upset
– Listen openly and let your child tell you about his or her feelings and worries

Learn More About Supporting Your Children

 There are many resources for parents and caregivers who want to know more about children’s mental health.

Learn more about:-

Recognizing mental health problems in children, how they are affected, and what you can do
– Diagnosing and treating children with mental health problems
– Talking to children and youth after a disaster or traumatic event

You can also visit the link below to find out other ways to recognize the signs:

Recognizing Signs Of Potential Mental Health Disorders

Get Help For Your Child

Seek immediate assistance if you think your child is in danger
of harming themselves or others. Call a crisis line or the
National Suicide Prevention Line: 800-273-TALK (8255). If your child is in need of community mental health services you can find help in your area and SRD is also here to help. 

sources:

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