Today, we focus on the topic of mental illness. Bell Let’s Talk Day, occurring on January 31, invites you to participate in the largest global dialogue concerning mental health. This initiative, Bell Let’s Talk, is an extensive, multi-year campaign aimed at dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness and promoting mental health awareness throughout Canada. If you have concerns regarding your child’s mental health, it is crucial to take action promptly. Signs that may indicate your child is struggling include excessive fear, a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, significant mood fluctuations, or heightened irritability. Early recognition of these symptoms by parents is vital, as there is a notable correlation between these conditions and the risk of substance abuse. Should you suspect that your child or adolescent is facing mental health challenges , consider the following steps to provide support.
Schedule an Evaluation
It is imperative that your child receives an evaluation at the earliest opportunity. Prompt assessment facilitates timely diagnosis, which in turn allows for the initiation of suitable treatment before the situation deteriorates further. A significant number of children and adolescents facing various challenges resort to substance use, including drugs and alcohol, in an attempt to alleviate their distress. This tendency is notably more pronounced among those with co-occurring disorders, as they frequently encounter greater difficulties in managing their circumstances. Therefore, getting appropriate treatment plan as early as possible may help stop a substance abuse problem. If your child’s drug problem is too much for you to handle alone, you should seek professional help from intensive outpatient programs to see if it will help. Any parent would agree that the safety of their child is the number one priority, even as your kids grow into young adults.
Educate yourself about Mental Illness
Many conditions are still hidden behind a shroud of mystery. Do not let this happen to your child. Learn all you can about their condition. There are different ways to help a teenager with anxiety as opposed to a child with borderline personality disorder. Once you are armed with good information, then become an advocate for your child. You may want to talk to other family members about your child’s diagnosis so that they understand what is going on. Furthermore, you may have to become your child’s advocate at school as many schools try to ignore issues putting more pressure on your child. Teens may turn to substance abuse in an attempt to fit in with their peers.
Set Limits for your children
Children diagnosed with mental health conditions still require the establishment of boundaries. However, it is essential that these boundaries account for factors that may be outside the child’s control. Maintaining firmness and consistency is crucial in assisting your child in managing their challenges. It is important to remain receptive to their thoughts and provide guidance on navigating various situations. Efforts should be made to ensure that all individuals involved in the child’s care adhere to the same behaviour modification strategies, as this consistency can significantly aid their progress. Research indicates that adhering to a structured routine can be particularly advantageous for children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses. Furthermore, it is beneficial to encourage your child to educate themselves about their diagnosis and to explore constructive coping mechanisms, such as maintaining a nutritious diet.
Take Care of Yourself
Addressing your child’s mental health challenges can often feel overwhelming, akin to a full-time commitment. However, it is crucial to allocate time for your own well-being. Ensure that you arrange for sufficient care, allowing you to engage in activities that bring you joy at least once a week. Given the hereditary nature of many mental health conditions, it is also important to observe your own behaviours and those of other family members. Prioritizing your self-care is essential, as you cannot effectively support others without first attending to your own needs. By advocating for your own health, you set a positive example for your child, encouraging them to prioritize their own well-being.
Recognizing the seriousness of mental illness is fundamental to becoming an effective advocate for your child. Many parents overlook symptoms until they escalate, which can have dire consequences. Begin by consulting your primary care physician, but do not hesitate to request a referral to a specialist. Your child relies on you to ensure both their health and your own.
On January 31, for every tweet of this article using #BellLetsTalk, Bell will contribute 5¢ to mental health initiatives.
This was a very helpful article. Thank you
One way to help the child is the parents know the effect of mental health problem then they find a proper way to follow. Thus have a good chance to recover. It’s also better to have parents attend events to know more about mental health problem and addiction.