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There has been an increase in awareness of mental health and its importance in our lives. While mental health is becoming common talk among adults, children often get swept under the rug.
Many instances require we learn and talk about mental health in our children. For example, grieving children or teenagers undergoing a major life change. Talking to your little ones about mental health and how to cope with various situations can help prepare them for a bright future.
Discover why mental health is important in a child’s life, how to recognize the signs of poor mental health in children, and how to find them help! By learning more about the importance of mental health in your child’s life, you can encourage and support them.
Why is Mental Health Important in a Child’s Life?
Mental health is vital to a child’s life because it ties in closely to other areas of their life. For example, if a child’s mental health is not evaluated and cared for, they could easily experience other mental health disorders and concerns.
Talking to your child about how to talk to strangers, mental health vitality, and other topics about their safety is important to their wellbeing.
Mental health is also key in a child’s development. Our mental health is related to our emotions, social capabilities, and thought processes. As a child grows, their development relies heavily on their mental health. Their mental health determines how they will cope with life as they grow older.
Recognizing the Signs of Poor Mental Health
Children are constantly changing. Their desires, interests, favorite foods, and toys can change daily! It can feel difficult to keep up with what is going on in their life. However, as a parent, it is your job to take note of these changes.
Noticing a change in your child could be crucial to their mental wellness and future. You must first learn to recognize the signs of poor mental health in children.
One of the biggest signs is a dramatic change in mood, behavior, or personality. For example, if your normally energetic child is suddenly lethargic and sad for weeks at a time, take a look at their life. Ask yourself: is there something that has happened to bring on this change?
Other signs could include a change in their physical health. Such as a change in appetite, sleep schedules, body pain, etc. Large changes similar to these in a child’s life could point to poor mental health.
Finding Help for Children Who Need It
If you notice these signs in your child’s life, it is pertinent that you seek help and talk to your child. Begin by asking other adults and important figures about your child’s mental health. Find out more information on your child’s behavior, mood, daily habits, and more.
Once you have more information, you can talk to your child’s doctor. With this information, your doctor can help you create a game plan for your child.
A general practitioner may perform physical exams, look over medical history, explore the home life, etc. Your doctor can also suggest seeing a therapist or psychologist if they feel your child may have a mental illness or disorder.
Talking to Your Children About Mental Health
In order to prevent mental health disorders, you should be upfront with your children about the importance of mental health. You can do this by creating a safe place for them to converse freely. By informing your child that you care about their wellbeing, you are opening the door for them to come to you.
Also, be prepared to ask questions and answer questions. You may have to do your research in preparation for your conversations; this mostly depends on the child’s age, environment, and curiosity. While having certain conversations may feel awkward, you are helping your child when you discuss these important topics.
Let your child know that talking about our emotions, thoughts, and behavior is normal. Continually give them the encouragement they need to approach you with various discussions. With encouragement and a safe atmosphere, you can talk to your child about mental health.
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